Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has signed a mega electricity deal worth N37 billion with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC).
Ikengaonline gathered that the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EEDC and Anambra State Government is to ensure steady power supply across the state.
Managing Director/CEO of EEDC, Praveen Chorghade, made this known during the weekend, disclosing its readiness to deploy 500,000 metres worth N37 billions to the State.
Chorghade said the MoU was designed to achieve an overall business turnaround that would contribute to the enhancement of service delivery, commercial performance, shareholders and stakeholders value addition.
He also stated that the partnership would strengthen the business relationship between EEDC and the state and unlock opportunities for attracting additional investments to achieve the twin objectives of increased reliability of power supply and commercial performance.
He further stated that the model would improve service to customers and provide additional networks required to increase both reliability and quality of supply towards attaining a 24/7 supply in the state.
“In order to strengthen our chosen franchise model we have procured the services of a reputable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the name of Siemens, as our technical services partner. We shall leverage on this partnership to access high quality products and solutions for accelerating the quality and quantum of electricity being provided in Anambra State.
“More than five hundred thousand new meters estimated to cost about 37 billion naira are needed to close Anambra State’s metering gap and this will definitely curtail losses emanating from estimated billing and customers unwillingness to pay,” he said.
The MD appealed to the Anambra State Government to assist with public enlightenment and the use of local security apparatus to checkmate vandalisation of EEDC’s facilities in the state.
Speaking on the partnership, the state Governor, Soludo, expressed optimism that the partnership would translate into positive changes in the lives of Anambra people, describing the model as a healthy journey to a prosperous smart mega city.
According to him, the signing of MoU was a consummation of a long standing relationship with EEDC.
The chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor, described the day as crucial for him as an indigene of the state and commended the zeal and cooperation of the Governor and his administration.
He expressed optimism that with the commencement of the implementation of the project, that within the next 18 months, major cities in Anambra will begin to get at least 18 hours of power supply.
