Emmanuel Uduaghan
Press Briefing
The sum of N4.5 billion is to be invested in some of
the newly privatized electricity generating and distribution companies in the
country by the Delta State Government.
This was disclosed by the
state Commissioner for Power and Energy, Mr. Charles Emetulu during a recent
press briefing at Asaba, the State capital.
Emetulu said that N15.7 billion earlier contributed by
the State Government towards the development of power supply infrastructure in
the country has become equity contribution for Delta State.
He listed Benin Power Distribution Company, Sapele
Power Generating Company and Ughelli Generating Company, as the companies where
the State bought some equities.
The Commissioner said that the State spent N48.4
billion on 391 power supply projects from 2007 and 2013.
He added that N29.7 billion was spent on 95 power
projects between 2011 and 2013.
According to him, Government is not a good manager of
investments, but the State Government ventured into acquiring equities in power
companies to protect the interest of the rural communities.
He said, “With the private sector taking over the
generation and distribution of electricity in the country, we should all look
forward for an upward review of tariffs”.
He also said that “This is why the State Government
has invested the sum of N4.5 billion as equity in the power generating and
distribution companies in Benin, Sapele and Ughelli. Government will plough
back its profits on investment to ensure safety nets for those in the rural
communities who may not be able to pay for this product.”
Emetulu Stated that from May 2011 to November 2013, the State
Government acquired and distributed over 2000 transformers and other
accessories to various communities to improve power supply in the State.
He told pressmen that the State Government planned to
discuss with the new owners of the power infrastructure on how the State would
benefit from the facilities located in the State.
The Commissioner assured that the State Independent
Power Project (IPP) at Oghareki, Ethiope West Local Government Area, would be
completed before the end of 2015.
He added that the State would partner with the private
sector to run the plant.
Emetulu said the State was also partnering with the
Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Phillips Company to build renewable
energy sources in Delta.
The Commissioner said the plan was to ensure power
supply to the rural areas of the state, especially the riverine communities.
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