By Ifeanyi Olannye
Asaba, May 25, 2023 Delta Government on Thursday approved the establishment of a 2.5 megawatts of Independent Power Plant (IPP) in Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa;s community, Owa, in Ika North East Local Government Area (LGA) of the State.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on some of the decisions of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Okowa on Thursday.
Aniagwu said that the council, in line with Okowa’s pledge to work till May 28, also approved the procurement of medical equipment for the state’s hospitals and the construction of new roads in parts of the state to meet the people’s needs.
“In keeping to our promise to work till the end of this administration and the need for us to continue to deliver on the SMART Agenda and indeed living behind a Stronger Agenda, the council met today and considered quite a number of memos.
“The council approved the establishment of another 2.5mw Independent Power Plant (IPP) to power a number of government critical establishments in Ika North East LGA where we have a number of government institutions.
“We are taking a leave from the benefits derived from the construction of IPP in Asaba.
“The council also encouraged the incoming government to replicate the IPP in other parts of the state to ensure availability of sufficient energy to power a number of key sectors of our economy,” he said.
Aniagwu said the amendment to the constitution by the Federal Government guaranteed the full liberalisation of the power sector unlike before when the sector was on the exclusive list.
“Now, states can generate, transmit and distribute electricity.
“So, today, we have approved the establishment of 2.5 megawatts IPP to provide energy for those critical government establishments.
“We have also approved the procurement and installation of medical equipment for 20 general hospitals across the state.
“This medical equipment is to ensure the delivery of healthcare to our people,” he said.
The commissioner recalled that government had earlier approved the procurement and installation of solar powered panels to provide regular electricity to the 20 hospitals to improve health care delivery across the state.
Aniagwu said that the council also approved the payment of outstanding rents owed to landlords whose houses were rented by government ministries before packing into the newly completed secretariat.
“The government approved the construction of 3.2km road in Obiaruku, in Ukwuani LGA and internal roads in Torugbene, Burutu LGA.
“It equally approved the appointment of Simpson Sapele Obruche II, as the Odion R’ode of Ewheru Kingdom in Ughelli North LGA,” he said.
