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Rivers Reiterates Plan To Electrify State
Rivers State Commissioner for Power, Hon. Augustine Nwokocha has re-iterated government’s resolve to electrify all the nooks and crannies of the state before the end of the present administration.
The commissioner, who gave this indication at a recent press briefing in his office, explained that the improved power situation in the state is due to the re-conducting of the Afam to Port Harcourt double circuit transmission lines.
Hon. Nwokocha disclosed that government was partnering with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHEDC), to ensure power generated is distributed evenly.
He noted that government had embarked on a major update scheme of building injection sub stations across the state, adding that government is about to mobilise contractors for the rural electrification project to go to site.
The commissioner said work on the rural electrification scheme would be carried out by linking those communities already electrified to the others not yet provided with light, pointing that transformers are being installed across the state according to the needs of the people.
Hon. Nwokocha advised the people to safeguard government’s electrical equipment such as cables, poles, street light fittings, and transformers stressing that the authorities should be alerted once they see people vandalising such property.
In another development Rivers State Government has issued drafts of award letter to contractors whose bids were successful for the construction of the 33/11KV injection sub-station and rows for transmission lines in the state.
The commissioner for power, Hon. Augustine Nwokocha gave the hint in his office at a meeting with contractors, marketers, a representative of the Economic Advisory Council on electricity and Engr. Ema Gbole Nwikina who presented Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
Hon. Nwokocha said, the meeting was to streamline modalities for the handling of the projects warning that government would not tolerate the use of sub-standard equipment as it is poised to conduct crush test for poles, size of conductors as well as ensuring standards were verified.
He stressed that project abandonment would not be condoned, but would allow sub contracting after all the conditions of the bureau of public procurements have been met.
The commissioner advised the contractors to seek legal opinion on the drafts and make their contributions, get their bankers to give them Advance Payment Guarantee (APG) and thereafter sign the agreement with an acceptance letter.
Hon. Nwokocha charged the contractors to ensure the projects were delivered within three months after mobilisation had been paid, adding that no further payments would be made when the job has not been certified.
Speaking on behalf of the contractors, Mr. Mathew Edevbie of Income Electric Ltd assured the government of their determination to execute the projects in record time and according to set standards.
Others expected to handle the projects are Schneider Electric of France, Danalec Nigeria Ltd, Labec Engineering Ltd, Continental Engineering Ltd, Sam Ltd, Sigma Technical Ltd and Gips Engineering Ltd.
Happy Birthday Chief Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike CON
Honourable Minister Federal Capital Territory
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We’ll Drive Tinubu’s Vision in Rivers With Vigour – Fubara …Inaugurates Dualized Ahoada/Omoku Road ….Debunks Rift With RSHA
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has stated that he will lead Rivers people to galvanize support for President Bola Tinubu to drive the vision and objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the State with vigour.
The governor, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), on Tuesday, explained that his decision to join the APC was not for personal interest but for the overall benefit of Rivers State.
Fubara disclosed these while inaugurating the extension of the dualized Ahoada/ Omoku Express road in Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
He commended the contracting firm, Julius Berger, for timely delivery of the project, saying the project is a campaign promise fulfilled which will bring economic benefits to the people and tackle issues of insecurity associated with the route.
He said his administration has remained focused in delivering democratic dividends in the state despite facing glaring challenges.
The governor thanked the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas for their continuous support, and urged his supporters to remain steadfast and also support President Tinubu who he said, has demonstrated love to Rivers State as a father.
Fubara denied having rift with the Rivers State House of Assembly, stating that his meeting with the lawmakers was stalled as a result of delay in the agreed meeting to be convened by former Governor Nyesom Wike and other stakeholders for him to meet with the state lawmakers.
“I have made every effort to meet with the Assembly members, but it is not within my leadership to initiate the meeting process.
“The arrangement was for my leader, Wike, and the elders led by Anabraba to call for a meeting with the the lawmakers.
“I’m a gentleman and principled. I can’t go behind to call them when we’ve already agreed. Whoever that tell them that I don’t want to meet with them, or I rejected proposal meant for them isn’t saying the truth,” Fubara said.
The Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry Works, Mr Austin Ezekiel-Hart, who gave the project description, said the delivery of the project was a fulfillment of long time dream by the people of Ahoada East and Ogba Egbema Ndoni Local Government Areas.
He said the road was previously a single lane and has now been dualised to 14.6 meters wide, complete with solar-powered streetlights with drainages.
He said the road significantly would reduce travel time between Ahoada and Omoku while improving economic activity in the region.
In his welcome address, Chairman of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area, Hon. Chuku Shedrack Ogbogu, described the road as a symbol of unity, oneness, and development, thanking the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises.
On his part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Engr. Peer Lusbash, said the project was awarded to his company in 2023 with a completion period of 18 months which was achieved in best quality.
He added that Julius Berger enjoyed a good support from the Fubara administration, and assured to complete all ongoing projects being handled by Julius Berger on specification, especially the Ring Road project which is a legacy project.
Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring good healthcare for the people of Rivers State.
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?Governor Fubara stated this when he played host to the Country Director of UNICEF, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef and her management team in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
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?The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, said he would continue to provide the necessary facilities in order to ensure accessible and good health care for all Rivers people.
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?”We are constructing new zonal hospitals across the State. The Ahoada Zonal hospital will be commissioned in December and others are near completion.
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?”We are grateful to UNICEF for all they have done and believe we can always work together to care for the vulnerable in the society. We appreciate your physical presence, and believe that your staff working remotely, can also do more virtually. We have a capable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, to help foster our relationship, communication and greater collaboration,” he said.
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?The Country Director for UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, assured Governor Fubara of UNICEF’s support to the programmes of the State Government. She appealed that health facilities such as the Oxygen Plant at Eleme Local Government Ares and the New Born Care Units be solarized.
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?”Be assured that UNICEF will continue to work and support the programmes here in Rivers State. We have seen the Oxygen Plant at Eleme LGA which has been effective because of the Public Private Partnership. We appeal that the plant be solarized.
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?”I commend your leadership of the State and assure that we are here to support your effort and assure you that you can count on our support and partnership. Rivers State is one of the states we can showcase how things are working so others can learn,” she added.
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