There are indications that the dying economy of Ukanaful Local Government of Akwa Ibom State, which has been in darkness in the last 15 years will soon resurrect, courtesy of the efforts of the House of Representatives member from the Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Dr Unyime Idem.
Test run of the electricity transformers he donated to all the 24 wards of the federal constituency has already begun, while parts of the local government where installation has been successfully installed will begin to see light again.
The implication is that all those who fled the local government as a result of the years of blackout, will begin to return. It is also expected that small and medium business that had either died or were on life support would return to life.
Idem said on Friday thatthe first phase of the project has been completed and ready for commissioning. “For quality assurance, test-run is ongoing in few communities covered in the first phase, to ensure safety, reliability, and functionality before the system goes fully operational. This process is also necessary to detect installation faults, verification of performance, prevent costly rework, ensure regulatory compliance and smooth handover.
“The test-run follows successful pole planting, cabling, installation of transformers and other power infrastructure in communities covered in the first phase. Recall that in January this year, I donated 25 units of 500 kva transformers to the 24 wards of Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, and assured that I will rehabilitate the power infrastructure and link the Federal Constituency back to the national grid – a promised I am now currently fulfilling.
“Specifically, Ikot Akpa Nkuk and Ikot Ibritam communities in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam LGAs respectively have been linked to the national grid from Ikot Abasi.
“Although linking to the national grid through Ikot Abasi has doubled the budget for the project, I have borne the cost, committing to ensuring quality and durable power supply to the people.”
He hinted that virtually all the council wards had taken delivery of their transformers, while the remaining ones would take theirs the moment reconnection works get to their area.
But he urged the people to be patient as the restoration would be happening in phases. “Oruk Anam Ward 1 has taken delivery of its 500 kva transformer. Elders of the Ward picked up the transformer from Ukanafun Divisional Police Headquarters, where the transformers were kept for safety.
“Also, elders of Ukanafun Ward 1 took delivery of theirs, which has already been installed at the Council headquarters, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, and linked to the grid. While some wards have taken delivery of their transformers, the others left will pick up theirs as soon as installation of power infrastructure reaches their domains.
“Let me use this opportunity to assure my constituents that commissioning of the first phase of the project will take place as soon as test-run is completed, while the second phase of the project will commence afterwards.
“Kindly note that the project is executed in phases, therefore, wards not covered in the first phase should exercise patience, as all the 24 wards will ultimately be linked to the national grid,” he said.
