Relocaton Of Electrcity Installations Disrupt Power Supply In Ukanafun LGA

In line with the vision Governor Godswill Akpabio for steady power supply in all Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom state, the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power is currently pushing for the completion of replanting and reinstallation of electricity components to restore power to communities in Ukanafun LGA.

During the visit of the Commissioner for Rural Development to Ukanafun, the Youth Leader said that "Ukanafun seriously needs electricity" and alleged that they have "not had power supply in 26 years"

However, investigations by the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power revealed that during the construction of Abak-Ukanafun road by Septraco construction company, the power installations in the area were relocated but the contractor did not complete the replanting and reinstallation of the electricity components thus leaving the communities without power supply.

When Engr. Itoro Udosen from the office of the SSA on Power, spoke with the contractor that handled the project, the contractor said that "during the construction of the bridge, Septraco agreed to clear the power line (33kV) to enable access for replanting of the poles but after the construction of the bridge, Septraco left the site unclear and it has hindered the relocation and reinstallation of electricity components"

He however, said he is "willing to return to the site for the completion and reinstalling of electricity components but the supervisory Ministry should intervene in the area of variations in the project cost estimate"

When the office of the SSA on Power contacted the Chairman Ukanafun LGA, Apostle Sylvester Udokang he expressed readiness to work with the relevant authorities to restore power supply to the people of Ukanafun.

Meanwhile, during the monthly operational power sector stakeholder's meeting held in the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Power, relocation of existing power installations during road construction was identified as a major challenge confronting the power sector in Akwa Ibom state.

The office of the SSA on power is presently collaborating with the Ministry of works to ensure that during road constructions power installations are properly relocated and reinstalled.