Rivers Govt Set to Partner HYPREP To Connecting Ogoniland To National Grid
Barikui Felix -Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government says it is partnering with the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) to ensure Ogoni land is connected to the national grid.
The Commissioner for Power in the state, Solomon Abel Eke, disclosed while inaugurating solar-powered streetlights built across 16 communities by the Chairman of Gokana Local Government Area, Monday Dumiye, as part of activities marking his 100 days in office.
Eke, who lauded the streetlight initiative of Dumiye and other projects completed by him, said: “ I want to say that in our roadmap for 24-hour electricity for Rivers people, the State Ministry of Power in collaboration with HYPREP is ensuring a transmission station is built in Ogoni, and the entire Ogoni axis will be connected to the national grid for the use of our people. It’s going to be 24 hours.” He lauded the council chairman’s strides, urging the people of Gokana to protect the solar-powered streetlights.
Addressing the chairman, he said, “You will serve Gokana and them well. Gokana, be rest assured that you are in God’s hands through Monday, your executive chairman.“The youths are the army of communities. And I know the youths deserve good things because they are the ones who will stay here more than we will. Please talk to the youths, talk to everybody concerned, and let them protect this facility.”
Earlier, Council Chairman Dumiye commended the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his support, saying the project was important in the communities. He noted that the streetlights will help combat crime and also grow businesses.
Dumiye said, “The streetlights will positively impact socio-economic activities in Gokana, especially as small businesses have started springing up under the light. “Increased night visibility and surveillance will certainly reduce crime, improve road safety, and enhance pedestrian safety, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and fatalities.
“The streetlights will enable businesses to operate for longer hours, make the area more attractive, increase property values, lead to increased activities and foster community engagement, enhance the quality of life by providing a sense of safety and security, increase mobility, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, reduce light pollution, improve air quality and protecting the environment.”
The council boss further called on community members to cooperate and protect the projects from vandals. Other projects mentioned by the chairman as part of his 100 days in office are renovation and remodeling of schools in the area such as the Community Primary School 4, Bodo City; Community Primary School 1, Biara; Community Primary School, Lewe and Community Primary School 1, K-Dere, renovation and remodeling of the council administrative building, donation of patrol vehicles to security agencies in the area amongst others.
