Delta, Benin Disco, Thames sign MoU on 20 mw Isoko Power plant
Efforts at ensuring that over 200 commercial entities around Ozoro in Isoko Local Government areas of Delta State benefit from power supply has gotten a boost as Benin Electricity Distribution Plc (BEDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thames Energy Limited and the Delta State Government on the construction of 20megawatts power plant in the area.
The MOU signing ceremony, which took place at BEDC Head Office in Benin signalled a tripartite partnership that is expected to galvanize the potentials of several commercial entities in addition to rejuvenating the economy of the Isoko and thus make the location an economic hub for Delta State.
Funke Osibodu, managing director/ceo, BEDC, in her opening remarks at the ceremony, said the company was poised to make the project a reality with a view to improving on the socio-economic development of the Isoko people and Delta state at large.
Osibodu who argued that no urban renewal or development was complete without power supply, said BEDC’s involvement in the deal was informed by the quest and commitment at improving the quality of life of customers through the provision of reliable and stable electricity supply with limited interruptions.
Also contributing, Abu Ejoor, executive director, Commercial, commended the people of Ozoro for creating a peaceful and friendly environment for the project to take off.
The Executive Director said the project when completed will improve the lots of the people, create jobs, reduce poverty and create enterprise.
Akpovi Oyo, managing director of Thames Energy Limited, assured that the power plant project would be completed within 18months saying that power was one of the biggest industries which required tapping into with a view to enable sustenance in the economy.
He declared that the rationale for the project was to ginger Deltans into improving the lots of its people, create jobs and reduce poverty, explaining that: “it is an off grid project where 20megawatts of electricity would be installed in the first phase, while the second, third and fourth phase will come up based on demand.”
“In a couple of weeks, a ground breaking will be done for construction to kick off immediately,” he pledged, adding that Delta State required five of such power plants in key areas.”
In his remarks, Delta State Commissioner for Urban Renewal, Ilolo Oghenekaro commended BEDC for its display of professionalism in the packaging of the project, declaring that Delta State was committed to the development of key infrastructure that will improve the economy.
“You cannot renew any urban centre without critical infrastructure like power, hence the basis for the Delta State government’s partnership with BEDC and Thames Energy on the project” he said, expressing hope that the partnership will bear fruit.
“Power is the biggest industries that is emerging out of the 21st industry which will be bigger than telecoms and there is need to key in into the sector in such a way that it will help everybody.
Delta State is willing to provide any form of assistance to make this project a success.”
He opined that when completed the project will boost the economy, business activities and create employment, adding: “In short, it is a watershed.”
Iduh Amadhe, President General of Isoko nation, commended the commitment of BEDC to the Isoko nation assuring that they will create an enabling environment for the project to succeed.