Ongoing Power Projects Not Disrupted By Insurgency – FG

Power-plantInsurgency in communities attacked by Boko Haram has not stopped the ongoing power projects in the affected states, the Federal Government has said.

It stated that major government projects in Borno and Yobe states were progressing according to implementation schedule despite the destructive activities of the Islamic extremists.

The Minister of State for Power, Mr. Mohammed Wakil, disclosed this at the site of a 33KVA transmission substation located along Damboua road in Borno state.

Wakil, in a statement signed by his Special Assistant, Media, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, said briefings by project managers working on projects in the crisis ridden states showed that work was ongoing regardless of the terror in the region.

He said the 33KVA substation was almost 80 per cent done and expressed the hope that the project would be completed soon.

The minister said the substation was designed to strengthen power supply in Borno as the state currently has very low level of electricity.

He said, “I am glad to announce that despite the insurgency, power projects and other federal projects are ongoing. Our people are undaunted in their determination to benefit from the transformation agenda of the President.

“I commend the project team for not bowing to terror. This is a demonstration of commitment that I cannot describe”.

Wakil said the progress of work on federal projects in Borno and Yobe showed that the security situation in the states was not as bad as it was painted.

He also inspected the perimeter fencing and rural electrification projects ongoing in the area and noted that sites were well secured by both the civilian and military JTFs.

The minister appealed to security agencies to beef up security around projects site in the state to avoid been taken by surprise.

He was quoted as saying, “Aside the transmission substation, a major transformer to boost power supply in the state will arrive latest by June or thereabout. All arrangements have been completed for immediate installations. Rural electrification projects of the Federal Government are also ongoing”.

Also speaking on the project that was inspected by the minister, the Deputy Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Mr. Abubakar Atiku, said the substation was about 80 per cent completed.

He said, “The implementation is progressing on schedule. The team working on the project is in high spirit despite the security challenges. On completion, the substation will ensure improvement in the power situation in Borno state”.