Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu, has commissioned a rehabilitated power line project that has restored electricity to Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, ending 23 years of darkness in the area.
The project, which also reconnected Uzuakoli and Ozuitem cities to 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 said the towns and communities had relied on solar electricity and generators since 2002 to power their houses and run their businesses, expressing his joy for the new development.
Kalu however urged the communities to protect the new electrical installations, warning that no acts of vandalism will be tolerated.
He called on Presidents-General of autonomous communities, traditional rulers, and youths to form a vigilante group to safeguard the assets, warning 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.
“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 vandalization.
“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, 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.”
