By CHARLES IWUOHA

Over 50,600 households are to benefit from the Presidential Solar Connections Initiative to increase Electricity Access in Ebonyi State.

The Deputy Governor of the state, Dr Kelechi Igwe, disclosed this at a meeting with stakeholders at the Local Government and Community levels.

Dr Igwe said the purpose of the meeting is to carry relevant stakeholders along in the location and execution of the project.

“We believe this is the way to go. The essence of this meeting is for the Communities to take ownership of this project and we are giving each Community up to Saturday this week to designate a place where this solar electricity project will be sited in each of the communities,” he said.

He said solar is the cheapest source of energy hence the decision of Ebonyi State Government to key into the presidential solar connections Initiative, adding that it will be sustained since Nigeria is a tropical region where sunlight is free.

The state Actiing commissioner for Power and Energy, Engr Godwin Nwankwo, said the project is anchored through Central Bank of Nigeria, while Ebonyi State Government will guarantee the tender through service providers

He gave an assurance that the project when completed will be cheaper, reliable and uninterrupted as well as create jobs and provide revenue for Government.

“The State Government stands a chance of drawing down 1.2 billion Naira on the programme. This is not usual electricity supply, it is going to be none grid supply and is going to be solar powered,” he said.

Council Chairmen, coordinators of Development centres, Traditional Rulers and Town Union Presidents attended the meeting.

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