By Azuka Offor
The Anambra State Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, says access to reliable electricity and quality road infrastructure is critical to sustainable community development and economic growth.
Agummadu said this on Aug. 3 when a delegation from Okpuno community in Awka South Local Government Area paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Awka.
He said the state government was intensifying efforts to expand electricity access to underserved communities, including Anambra West, Anambra East, Ayamelum, Awka North, Orumba North and Orumba South local government areas.
According to the commissioner, the availability of electricity and good roads remains a key indicator of a community’s transformation into an urban centre, adding that the government is committed to providing critical infrastructure and other essential amenities across the state.
He urged residents to support ongoing reforms in the power sector by paying electricity bills and community electricity levies promptly, noting that improved revenue collection would enhance service delivery by electricity distribution companies.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr Victor Ezekwo, described electricity as a major driver of community growth and economic development.
Ezekwo said the state government’s pursuit of reliable 24-hour electricity supply was aimed at stimulating economic activities, boosting productivity and increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
The President-General of Okpuno community commended the state government for its efforts to improve power infrastructure and appreciated the commissioner’s commitment to engaging with communities. He appealed for sustained intervention to address the electricity needs of Okpuno and assured the government of the community’s cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the Youth Leader of Okpuno community, Comrade Charles Obidimma, appealed to the state government to upgrade the community’s existing 300KVA transformer to a 500KVA transformer to meet growing electricity demand and support local businesses.
Azuka Offor is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
