The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has distributed 26 electricity transformers across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State, while committing more than ₦100 million to the restoration of electricity supply to Item and adjoining communities.
The interventions, carried out on Tuesday under the second phase of the Renewed Hope Light Project, also featured the signing of a service contract agreement with KELOFs Engineering Limited for the restoration and reticulation of electricity infrastructure in Item and neighbouring communities.
The restoration project involves repairs to the 33kV power line and the replacement of vandalised distribution substation materials to reconnect communities that have endured prolonged electricity outages.
Kalu announced the developments in a post on his verified Facebook page, describing the Renewed Hope Light Project as an ongoing commitment to expanding electricity access, stimulating economic activities and improving the livelihoods of residents across Bende.
According to the Deputy Speaker, the second phase of the initiative includes the distribution of 26 electricity transformers and 40,000 home solar panels across the constituency’s 13 wards.
He said the project was informed by needs assessments conducted to identify the challenges confronting communities, adding that reliable electricity would strengthen local businesses, expand economic opportunities and improve the quality of life of residents.
“Access to electricity is fundamental to economic growth, improved livelihoods and sustainable community development,” Kalu stated.
He explained that the initiative was designed to ensure that darkness becomes a thing of the past in communities across Bende Federal Constituency.
Kalu Sets Three-Week Target for Power Restoration
At the event, the Deputy Speaker signed a service contract agreement with KELOFs Engineering Limited for the restoration and reticulation of electricity supply in Item and adjoining areas.
The project includes work on the 33kV power line and the replacement of vandalised distribution substation materials across affected communities.
Addressing residents and stakeholders, Kalu urged the benefiting communities to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the project.
“We encourage the affected communities to give them support. When they come for this restoration of light, please support them and work with them to be able to achieve this target. The target is three weeks to have light there,” he said.
The commitment is expected to address longstanding electricity challenges in Item and neighbouring communities, where the vandalisation of critical power infrastructure has disrupted supply for years.
Cosmos Ndukwe Hails Fulfilment of Promise
Meanwhile, an Abia APC chieftain and member of the recently inaugurated APC Presidential Campaign Council, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, Ph.D., has commended Kalu for the intervention, describing it as an example of a promise fulfilled.
In a Facebook post following the event, Ndukwe recalled that the Deputy Speaker had earlier announced plans to provide electricity transformers across Bende’s wards and alternative household power sources during a meeting of Presidents-General of Item Clan at Luxurycity Hotel, Aba.
According to Ndukwe, community leaders used the meeting to draw Kalu’s attention to the vandalisation of the Alayi-Item electricity grid approximately eight years ago.
They appealed for the restoration of the damaged grid linking Alayi, Item, Ugwueke and Igbere, arguing that reconnecting the affected communities to the electricity network would provide a more immediate solution to their power challenges.
Ndukwe said Kalu subsequently promised to engage contractors who handled the restoration of electricity infrastructure under the Ikwu Isi Light Up Bende project to assess the damage and submit a cost estimate.
He disclosed that the assessment had been completed and the contractor’s bill presented, paving the way for the Deputy Speaker to commit his personal resources to the restoration project.
“Today, I witnessed the fulfilment of that promise,” Ndukwe wrote, praising Kalu for responding to the concerns raised by community leaders.
He described the intervention as evidence of responsive representation and leadership that listens to the people and acts on their needs.
Ndukwe also expressed optimism that the restoration would bring relief to residents who have lived without reliable electricity for years, particularly as the Christmas season approaches.
Electricity Intervention Targets Economic Growth
The distribution of transformers and the agreement to restore the damaged electricity network represent complementary components of the Light Up Bende initiative, which seeks to improve power access across the constituency.
While the transformers are intended to strengthen electricity distribution across the 13 wards, the restoration of the damaged network is expected to reconnect communities that have remained disconnected following the vandalisation of critical infrastructure.
The planned distribution of 40,000 home solar panels is also part of the second phase of the Renewed Hope Light Project, providing an alternative electricity intervention for households.
For residents and businesses across Bende, improved electricity access could support commercial activities, enhance household welfare and create a more favourable environment for local enterprise.
With Kalu announcing a three-week target for the restoration works, attention will now turn to the contractor’s ability to complete the assignment within the stipulated period and reconnect the affected communities to the electricity network.
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