By Giwa SHILE
The Ondo Government has donated a 300 KVA electricity transformer to Plaza Arc in Akure, the state capital, to put an end to over three years power outage in the area.
TBI Africa quoted the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community comprises four streets of Ifelodun, Olorunsogo, Bada and Ibukunoluwa.
Presenting the transformer to the community on Monday, Mr Tunji Ariyomo, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Utility, said that the governor was surprised that such outage could exist in any part of the state capital.
Ariyomo said that the governor was just informed about the lingering plight of the community on Saturday and he quickly swung into action.
He promised that the construction and installation would commence on Monday.
According to him, a power sub-station will be sited in the community so that there will be substantial improvement in electricity supply to the area.
The SA applauded the patience, equanimity and calmness exhibited by the community’s residents over the years without resorting to violence.
He recalled that the state government recently signed a Power Purchase Agreement with a private firm for the construction of 15 megawatts power plant to be located in Alagbaka, Akure.
Ariyomo said that if the plant was completed, it would supply electricity to Alagbaka area and Ijapo Estate in the state capital as well as extending it to Oba Ile Housing Estate, the suburb of Akure.
“The strategy is that if we can take these key areas off national grid, then we will be able to free more watts to the use of people in Akure and its environs.
“Mr Governor also has been able to sign PPA with a firm to provide alternative independent power supply for the people of Ondo South Senatorial District to be sited in Igbokoda.
“So, ultimately, we are building newer opportunity for the generation of electricity and this initiative is anchored by the Ondo State Government as our own input to national grid strength.
“We are ensuring that issue of electricity supply is permanently resolved,” he promised.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Mr Goke Adurota, the Community Leader, appreciated the governor for rescuing the community from protracted power outage.
Adurota said that he was surprised that the promise could be fulfilled within few days.
He recalled that there were many promises made by the last administration in the state without being fulfilled, thereby dashing the hope of the community.
The community leader assured the governor that the community would reciprocate the gesture by giving him necessary support and vote for his party come March 9 House of Assembly election.
Similarly, Mr Anthony Adesina, the community’s youth leader, commended the governor for prompt action unlike past administration which reneged on its promises.
Adesina said that what seemed impossible was made possible by the governor, praying that the Lord would be with him and guide him.
