Governor Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers State has reiterated his commitment to the fulfillment of uninterrupted power supply in Calabar metropolis by ensuring the delivery of the 21 megawatts Calabar power plant in February 2017.
The power project is one of the fruits of the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) signed with foreign investors during his several investment trips round the world.
Speaking during his routine inspection of ongoing construction work at the site along the Parliamentary Extension, Calabar, on Wednesday, Ayade said the power plant is a new technology which is cost effective.
Excited about the level of work so far done, Ayade said: “As you can see, there is massive construction work going on here at the site, we are putting the structural base for the installation of the 21 megawatt power turbines that have already been delivered on site.”
He further disclosed that: “We have set February 17, 2017 deadline to deliver uninterrupted 24/7 power supply to Calabar metropolis. With this singular effort, Calabar will be the first capital city to have uninterrupted power supply in the country.
The good thing is that this is the product and manifestation of the several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) I had signed early last year and today, we are at the construction stage to deliver on this all important project.
As you can see, there is so much energy as, several young men are already engaged and we are making plans to engage some of them permanently as maintenance staff after the construction,” Ayade noted.
On the status of the power plant, the governor explained that the project was a Public Private Partnership (PPP), adding that the state was working in partnership with a Brazilian/American firm which is also collaborating with the Cross River State Power Company to establish and deliver on this world class independent embedded power plant here in Calabar.
“It is to ensure that no contractor is paid until he meets the mile stones set. So, if you bring me an IPC, I must check to ensure that you have delivered as declared by the agencies concerned before you receive your payment.
Secondly, I am driven by the passion and determination, which is why I am always on site instead sitting in the office. This is rather very alien to me and that is why I am on site daily to ensure that we catch the pace because money is scarce, every little kobo will be accounted for,” Ayade explained.
According to Ayade, “my excitement is that work is also done according to specification and approved designs.”
On the plan to ensure steady power supply in Calabar during the carnival festival, Ayade assured residents that the state had concluded arrangement with Lilleker and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company to ensure uninterrupted power supply during the yuletide.
“In line with this effort, the state has provided 88 new transformers across the city centre for improved power supply to ensure that all parts of Calabar are lit this December.”
While assuring Nigerian of a hitch-free carnival, Ayade said: “Let me use this opportunity to invite every Nigerian to stop searching for scarce dollars for overseas trips and come to Calabar for the festival and Carnival. We have everything you are looking for, hospitality, love, good treatment, everything you can think of is here in Calabar.”
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