Edith CHUKU
As part of efforts to improve living condition and boost economic activities, the member representing Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, Unyime Idem, has commencement the second phase of electricity rehabilitation and restoration project across the Constituency.
Idem revealed that the ultimate objective was to restore electricity across all 24 wards and subsequently connecting all 250 villages that make up the federal constituency to the national grid.
Following this development, more communities in Akwa Ibom State will benefit from improved electricity access as the second phase will cover additional 10 wards of the constituency.
Idem who is also the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Procurement, has tasked contractor handling the project on immediate work resumption.
His words: “I am pleased to announce the commencement of the second phase of the ongoing electricity rehabilitation and restoration project across Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency, following completion and successful testing of the first phase.
“I have therefore directed the contractor handling the project to resume work immediately.
“This intervention is driven by a clear commitment to restore electricity supply to our communities in Ukanafun and Oruk Anam Local Government Areas, which have been without electricity for over 18 years.
“The project is being implemented in four carefully structured phases, with the ultimate objective of restoring electricity across all 24 wards and subsequently connecting all 250 villages that make up our federal constituency to the national grid.
“I am glad to report that the first phase has been completed. This phase covered the two Local government headquarters in the constituency (Ukanafun Ward 1 and Oruk Anam Ward 1).”
The reps member noted that, “following its completion, the restored electricity infrastructure underwent a test run and was certified satisfactory. This successful outcome has paved the way for the commencement of the second phase.
“The second phase will cover 10 additional wards across the two local government areas. Upon completion, electricity rehabilitation and restoration will have been extended to 12 of the 24 wards, representing 50 per cent of the constituency’s ward coverage.”
According to him, the 10 wards covered under this phase are: Ukanafun Ward 3, Ukanafun Ward 4, Ukanafun Ward 6, Ukanafun Ward 8, Oruk Anam Ward 4, Oruk Anam Ward 6, Oruk Anam Ward 7, Oruk Anam Ward 11, Oruk Anam Ward 12 and Oruk Anam Ward 13.
He said, “the contractor has assured that the second phase will be completed within two months.
“Immediately after the completion of the second phase, the third phase will commence and will cover the remaining 12 wards: Ukanafun Ward 2, Ukanafun Ward 5, Ukanafun Ward 7, Ukanafun Ward 9, Ukanafun Ward 10, Ukanafun Ward 11, Oruk Anam Ward 2, Oruk Anam Ward 3, Oruk Anam Ward 5, Oruk Anam Ward 8, Oruk Anam Ward 9 and Oruk Anam Ward 10.
“The completion of the third phase will effectively extend the rehabilitation and restoration programme to all 24 wards in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency.
“The fourth and final phase will then take the project beyond ward-level restoration to the communities themselves, and will involve linking electricity to all 250 villages that make up our federal constituency, thereby completing the constituency-wide electricity restoration programme.
“In simple terms, the roadmap is clear and outlined as follows:
“Phase One: the two local government headquarters restored (2 wards).
Phase Two: 10 additional wards.
Phase Three: Remaining 12 wards.
Phase Four: Connection of all 250 villages to the national grid.”
The reps member further reaffirmed that he remained fully committed to seeing this programme through all four phases until every ward and every village in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency is connected to the national grid.
“I therefore appeal to our people to take ownership of the restored infrastructure and protect the facilities against vandalism and other acts capable of undermining the sustainability of this intervention.”
