GOVERNOR LALONG ELATED AS TCN SETS TO COMPLETE MAKERI-GURATOP-PANKSHIN 132 KVA LINE TO SUPPLY 14 LGAs.
Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong says the people of the State have received an early Christmas gift from President Muhammadu Buhari as the 14 Local Governments in the Central and Southern Senatorial Districts which have been without power are set to begin enjoying power supply in the next three months.
Governor Lalong who received a delegation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) together with officials of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) at the Government House Rayfield Jos, said he was delighted that the project which was awarded 10 years ago but stagnated for various reasons is finally being completed.
The Governor said the Stringing of the Makeri-Guratop-Pankshin 132 KVA Line which will supply power to the Central and Southern parts of Plateau, as well as parts of Taraba and Bauchi States is a major project that will change the lives of the people and promote industrialization and economic prosperity.
He recalled how he made efforts together with the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase to ensure that the Federal Government revisits the project which is of enormous economic and security benefit to the people particularly at the grassroots.
While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari, Minister of Power Alh. Abubakar Aliyu and the MD TCN for their efforts, the Governor assured the contractor that the Government will give him all the support needed to ensure that the work is completed within schedule.
He also appreciated the communities along the corridor who cooperated with Government to settle their grievances out of court which enabled matters relating to Right of Way to be settled once and for all.
Earlier, leader of the delegation and GM Engineering Transmission Engr. Shehu Abba Aliyu said they were in the State on the directive of the Minister of Power to ensure that the contractor commences work with the mandate to complete it within 3 months.
He praised Governor Lalong for stepping in and taking bold decisions that led to the settlement of the 5-year old legal battle with communities and property owners within the Right of Way.
He said the materials for the completion have been imported, funding provided, and variation issues considered for the completion of the project. What he said remained a challenge was the threat of vandalism which had affected the existing infrastructure.
Governor Lalong assured him that the Government will work with the security and traditional rulers as well as community leaders to safeguard the equipment and personnel working on the project.
The team later proceeded to the field for commencement of work.
Dr. Makut Simon Macham
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State.
23rd December 2022.
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