The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Benjamin Kalu, has commissioned a rehabilitated power line project that has restored electricity to Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, ending twenty-three years of darkness in the area.
The project, which also reconnected Uzuakoli and Ozuitem to the national grid, is expected to revive small-scale businesses, cottage industries, and factories in the region.
Speaking during the commissioning in Bende, the Deputy Speaker, who represents the Federal Constituency, said the towns and communities had relied on solar electricity and generators since 2002 to power homes and run businesses, expressing his joy at the new development.
Mr. Kalu, however, urged the communities to protect the new electrical installations, warning that no acts of vandalism would be tolerated.
He called on the Presidents-General of autonomous communities, traditional rulers, and youths to form a vigilante group to safeguard the assets, reiterating that vandalism would not be tolerated.
He emphasised that the development will bring economic benefits and improve the overall quality of life in Bende, Uzuakoli, and Ozuitem.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kalu said:
“We thank God for this worthy development. Darkness has vanished in Bende. In the last 24 years, it’s been either solar or a generator. I have tried in the past to make this happen; unfortunately, it failed, but this one, I insisted, it must work even though it cost us so much.
“I therefore asked the community to ensure that this asset is well protected to avoid vandalisation.
“I am happy to say that this will revive small-scale businesses in Bende. Cottage industries and factories will also spring up.
“The Presidents-General of all the autonomous communities, the traditional rulers, and the youths of these communities should form a vigilante group to protect the installations and make Bende safer. We will not take it lightly with anyone caught vandalising the assets.”
It will be recalled that, in the penultimate week, the Deputy Speaker also commissioned a 1000KVA solar-powered electricity system he built in Bende headquarters to provide light to the five communities that make up the town.