Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Monday commissioned a rehabilitated power line project that has restored electricity supply to Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, ending over two decades of darkness in the area.
The project reconnects the towns of Uzuakoli and Ozuitem to the national grid, bringing reliable power to communities that have depended solely on generators and solar systems since 2002.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Bende, Kalu expressed profound joy at the milestone, noting that previous attempts to restore power had failed despite significant efforts. He highlighted the economic impact, stating that the restored electricity will revive small-scale businesses, spur cottage industries, and attract factories to the region.
Kalu strongly urged residents to protect the new installations, warning that vandalism would not be tolerated. He called on Presidents-General of autonomous communities, traditional rulers, and youths to form vigilante groups to safeguard the infrastructure.
He said, “We thank God for this worthy development. Darkness has vanished in Bende. In the last 24 years, it’s been either solar or a generator. I have tried in the past to make this happen, unfortunately, it failed but this one, I insisted, it must work even though it cost us so much… This will revive small-scale businesses in Bende. Cottage industries and factories will also spring up.”