Gov. Uzodimma’s unprecedented landmarks in Imo electrification

...Proofs SA on Power -round peg in a round hole…

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Prior to his ascendance into power as the Governor of Imo state in January, 2020, power supply to the state was epileptic and grossly inadequate.

The poor electrification and power supply took tolls on the commercial base existence in the state.

Aja- Oji Power Plant

For instance, since the creation of Imo state in 1976, the power supply delivery to Imo State  depended  on  a single 132 KV line from Ala-Oji in Abia State to Egbu Owerri transmission station.

This 132kv station through 33kv lines transverses  from Owerri via  Nwaorieubi,  Mgbidi , Omuma, Amaifeke  and the whole of Ideato nation. While on the other side of the same station through 33kv line takes off from the same Egbu to the entire Owerri and Okigwe zone  thereby making power supply availability in the whole state epileptic and grossly inadequate.

Not comfortable with the state of electricity supply to the state relying on the experience and industry grasp of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, Comr. Sam Chuks Nwaire in power sector, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma through his shared prosperity government  anchored on the 3R’s  Mantra of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery  has activated work on the 330KV  double circuit line from Ala-oji to  Owerri which is now ongoing.

Gov. Uzodimma and Comr. Nwaire

Not done, another 330kv line is coming from Onitsha through Ihiala to Owerri while 132 kv line takes off from  Ihiala to Orlu.

The contractor on 132kv line from Mbalano to Okigwe and Ideato 132 stations has already been  mobilized.

Nwaire who  was described recently by no less a person,  the Most Rev. David Onuoha, the newly elected Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province of the Anglican Communion as ‘a round peg in a round hole’ said the sector has made such achievements as there has been 15 -20 hours increase in power supply within owerri municipal.

Walking on a familiar terrain

He reassured of the ongoing consultations and design on Energy and Power mix on deployment of solar power into the state.

Currently the Rural Electrification Agency, Abuja is working on the Solar Energy deployment to Imo State Covid-19 Isolation Centres while other associated projects are in  various stages of deployment.

The realization of this power delivery plan which cuts across the entire state is a guarantee of access to power for all Imolites which the ministry is poised to achieve.