Rural Electrification: Imo lights up Ohaji-Egbema LGA, installs new high tension line
Imo Rural Electrification: ISOPADEC lights up Ohaji-Egbema, installs new high tension line
The Imo State Government through Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Communities (ISOPADEC) has begun the 13.5 kilometre line with the release of the N114 million counter-part funding for dedicated projects selected by host communities as New High Tension Line are installed for Mgburichi , Umuagwo ,Mgbuisii , Umuapu Ihie communities in Ohaji.
ISOPADEC is a commission established by the government of Imo State in 2007 to manage the 13% oil derivation for the oil producing communities in the state.
Speaking while undertaking an inspection of the electricity project, the Managing Director of ISOPADEC, Chief Charles Orie repeated his avowed commitment to deliver the mandate given to him by Governor Hope Uzodimma to take development directly to the people.
He said, “Our goal remains to make our communities stronger and better by taking development directly to the people – We want to touch all aspects of their lives and reflect those projects chosen by the people themselves and for themselves.”
Chief Orie revealed that Governor Uzodimma has directed the immediate reconnection of oil producing communities to the electricity grid before the coming Christmas coupled with the payment of outstanding EEDC energy consumption bills for host oil communities in Ohaji-Egbema, Oru East and Oguta local government areas.
A statement issued by Damian Opara, Media Assistant to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer , Chief Orie had earlier revealed that the N114m is under the Watersmith Petroman Limited’s counterpart funding to oil-bearing communities in Ohaji for development projects
“In line with the MD/CEO’s accountability, transparency, integrity and open door policy, the N114m counterpart funding paid for the electrification of some parts of Ohaji by Watersmith Petroman Limited has been released to some communities for the execution of projects chosen by people of the benefitting communities,” the statement reads.
Waltersmith is already planning to go into partnership with other oil companies to install more oil refineries in Imo. Imo has become a major basin for economic development, especially in the oil and gas sector.
The infrastructure development of Imo, particularly in Ohaji-Egbema LGA, is also going to be beefed up. Right now the point between the refinery and Port-Harcourt/Owerri Express Road is being planned for dualisation to cater for the increased traffic, especially trucks that would lift oil from Awara/Obile, where the refinery is located, to Umuapu and to Port-Harcourt or wherever they want to. There is so much going on, in addition to the gas exploration that is about to begin, there is the Assa Gas Plant, the biggest gas find in the West African sub-region. Seplat, Shell, and the NNPC are in partnership to develop the infrastructure and between now and next year, the gas exploration activity will be in full gear. Government has the intention of ensuring that Imo State gets her fair share in the development.
Imo State government is proposing an industrial cluster around Ohaji-Egbema LGA where investors would set up oil and gas-related industries. This no doubt will lead to increased industrial activities in Imo State. The government is really working hand-in-love with the oil companies and now fully involved in the oil and gas sector.
