Geometric Power: Abia urged to create satellite towns to accommodate new investments in Aba

In anticipation of improved power supply in Aba and its environs, the Abia State government has been advised to create new residential and industrial layouts to accommodate new investments into the area.

Ananso Nsiorie, a legal practitioner, observed that the development would put pressure on existing infrastructure of roads and housing, saying small scale industries would begin to do well, while those that were moribund, due to inadequate power supply, would be rehabilitated.

He also observed that new investments were expected in the area, which he noted would put pressure on available infrastructure and urged government to develop new layouts in Aba to absorb the expected pressure.

According to Nsiorie, real estate will boom, as firms would need space for their factories and accommodation for their staff.

He however, appealed to the Inspector General of Police to increase the number of Policemen in Aba, noting that Aba at the moment is under policed.

He commended the Abia State Government current efforts at improving road infrastructure in Aba and appealed for expedite action on ongoing roads, before the rain sets in proper.

Aba, will soon begin to enjoy constant power supply, as the dispute between Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Geometric Power Limited over which of the two companies would supply power to Aba and its environs has been settled.

Recall that the federal government had, before the commencement of the privatisation of the power sector signed an agreement with Geometrics power for the exclusive right of supplying electricity to Aba and Ariaria, a development, which saw the construction of the Aba Power plant which is worth about $500 million.

However, the same ‘ring fenced’ area was included in the franchise sold to Interstate Electric, owned by Sir Emeka Offor, during the privatisation. Both investors have been in a legal battle over the matter with industry watchers accusing the past government of dishonouring the contract signed with Geometrics power, owned by former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji.