By John Ugo, Awka
The management of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has expressed commitment towards the deployment of 500,000 metres worth over N37 billion aimed at proving steady power supply across communities in Anambra state.
Managing Director/CEO of EEDC, Praveen Chorghade, stated this during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between EEDC and Anambra state Government in Awka the state capital.
This is as Governor Charles Soludo expressed optimism that the partnership will translate into positive changes in the lives of Anambra people, describing the model as a healthy journey to a prosperous smart megacity.
Chorghade said the MoU was designed to achieve an overall business turnaround that would contribute to the enhancement of service delivery, commercial performance, shareholders and stakeholders value addition.
He explained that the partnership would strengthen the business relationship between EEDC and Anambra state and unlock opportunities for attracting additional investments to achieve the twin objectives of increased reliability of power supply and commercial performance.
According to him, the model will improve service to customers and provide additional networks required to increase both reliability and quality of supply towards attaining a 24/7 supply in the state.
“More than five hundred thousand new meters estimated to cost about 37 billion naira are needed to close Anambra State’s metering gap and this will definitely curtail losses emanating from estimated billing and customers unwillingness to pay” he said.
He appealed to the Anambra State Government to assist with public enlightenment and the use of local security apparatus to checkmate vandalisation of EEDC’s facilities in the state.”
He said, “In order to strengthen our chosen franchise model we have procured the services of a reputable Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in the name of Siemens, as our technical services partner. We shall leverage on this partnership to access high quality products and solutions for accelerating the quality and quantum of electricity being provided in Anambra state.”
Soludo stated that the signing of MoU was a consummation of a long standing relationship with EEDC.
Chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor described the day as crucial for him as an indegene of the state and commended the zeal and co-operation of the Governor and his administration.
Offor noted that with the commencement of the implementation of the project, that within the next 18 months, major cities in Anambra will begin to get at least, 18 hours of power supply.
Governor Charles Soludo and the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Engr. Julius Emeka signed on behalf of the state government, while the chairman of EEDC, Sir Emeka Offor signed for his organisation.
