The Delta government has spent N1 billion to ensure stable and improved electricity supply, an official has said.
Speaking at the ministerial press briefing anchored by the state ministry of information in Asaba on Monday, the Commissioner for Energy, Mr Nweworld Safugha, said that the amount was approved by the state government to take care of 25 power projects.
Safugha said that the amount also covered another 14 projects being executed by the ministry’s Rural Development Agency (RDA) in the past one year.
He said it was only through investment on power supply facilities that the small and medium enterprises could thrive and the dividends of democracy delivered to the people.
He also said that modalities would be worked out on how the state government could recover its investments on power facilities from the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The commissioner said the state had continued to grapple with the challenges of power, adding that its supply from the national grid remained inadequate.
He noted that the electricity need of the state was about 1,010 megawatts while only about 100 megawatts was available from the national grid.
He noted that the government was making efforts to increase electricity supply by exploring available options in order to deliver the administration’s promise of prosperity for all.
Safugha said that the ministry hadmade representations to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to reconnect communities disconnected from the national grid.
“The state government is also partnering with other investors to exploit opportunities in alternative energy sources, including renewable energy.
“The state has signed a memorandum with Luxra Nig. Ltd, a Britain-based investor, and Yutai-Li Nig. Ltd, a China-based investor to deliver 300 megawatts and 100 megawatts of electricity.
“Also, Bastanchury Power Solutions Ltd is to develop 8.5 megawatts gas turbine at the Asaba Integrated Power Project to provide electricity for all government offices, residential quarters and facilities in the state capital.’’
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Mr Bright Edejewhoro, said that the government would address the plight of the local government workers.
He said that the councils’ funds from the federation allocation had dropped drastically and that it had negatively affected the payment of workers’ salaries.