The Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, is spearheading a solar energy project in his Bende Federal Constituency to address what he described as longstanding electricity challenges in the Bende community.
The clean energy distribution project is currently in its second phase, with the first phase to be completed as early as 2022. The project involves rolling out solar farms to rural communities in Bende complimenting the epileptic power supply these areas experience.
The project comprises over 1,500 500-watt solar panels, supported by step-up transformers at the generation station, step-down transformers at designated substations, and lithium battery systems with a lifespan of up to 25 years.
These components are optimised for long-term reliability, efficiency, and power generation. The primary beneficiaries of this power project include farmers, small business owners, and the Bende community as a whole.
” I am grateful to my constituents for their patience, support, and prayers. My commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy remains steadfast. I will not relent in my efforts to ensure improved living standards for the people of Bende Federal Constituency and beyond,” said Benjamin Kalu during the official commissioning.
Abia’s 24-Hour Power Supply Myth in Question
The clean energy distribution project by Benjamin Kalu calls into question claims that Abia State enjoys a 24-hour power supply, following the completion of the Geometric Power Plant in Aba.
The clean energy alternative to complement the power supply suggests that some parts of the state are still without power, hence the need to rely on Solar energy. The completion and commissioning of the geometric power plant in Aba have obviously not done much to electrify all parts of Abia State, limiting its influence to select areas.
The Geometric power plant powers the Aba ring-fenced Area, which comprises nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia state. This means that eight local governments in Abia state, including Bende, are still facing perennial power challenges.
This contradicts the dominant narrative that Abia State now has a 24-hour power supply and diminishes claims made by the Alex Otti camp regarding power generation.
Why This Matters
- Alex Otti is facing intense pressure from the state’s opposition parties as the race to 2027 winds down. The All Progressives Congress is bent on taking the state in 2027, and Otti is marooned in the Labour Party, which just lost one of its brightest prospects.
- Power Supply remains one of Alex Otti’s strongest claims, and that is now put in question by a power distribution project led by an APC chieftain. This undermines his credibility and makes his reelection race even tougher.
- Hon Benjamin Kalu is the sixth most powerful individual in the country and is a lot closer to Asorock. If he decides to run for the Abia state governorship or back a candidate. It presents Alex Otti with an uphill challenge, difficult to crack.
