FG to complete 11 power plants by 2014
Labaran Maku |
The
Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said all the 11 power
plants being constructed by the Federal Government will be completed
before the end of the first quarter of 2014.
Maku
stated this on Monday while fielding questions from journalists after
the Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa
State.
He said seven out of the power
plants had so far been completed, while efforts were being intensified
to complete others before the end of the first quarter of 2014.
The
minister said the Federal Government had completed 150 out of the 220
injection sub-stations being constructed to stabilise and hold the power
to be generated.
Maku further
explained that the privatisation of the sector would enhance efficiency
in power delivery as was witnessed in the telecoms sector.
The
minister noted that the Federal Government deserved commendation for
completing the plants in two years, adding that electricity generation
would double in the next few years.
“It
is almost magical for the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration
to have achieved this feat in just two years; this is a clear indication
of his commitment to deliver on power,” he said.
Maku pointed out that the present administration had done far more than any previous administration in the country.
He,
therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration,
pointing out that there would be a lot of improvement and stability in
the power sector before the end of 2014.
Maku said the media was under reporting the achievements of the government.
He said, “It is unfortunate that the media is focusing more on personality rather than discussing development.
“The
media should focus more on progress and on the achievements of the
government irrespective of political party platform in the interest of
the people.”
He added that the
government needed support and the media had the responsibility to report
progress “so that you don’t fixate yourself with politics.”
“Politicians
will want to undermine tangible achievements because they will want to
come in, but the reality of what the Jonathan administration is doing is
very clear and deserves to be reported,” he said.
Meanwhile,
the President has given an assurance to Nigerians that they will soon
begin to enjoy the benefits of the privatisation of the power sector
with the successful conclusion of the sale of the generation and
distribution companies.
A statement
by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, quoted
the President as saying this while granting audience to a delegation of
the Anioma Peoples’ Congress led by the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike
Edozien, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Monday.
Jonathan
confirmed that all the successful bidders for the power generation and
distribution companies except one had completed the payments required to
complete the process, which he said was conducted in conformity with
globally acceptable standards and best practices.
He
said, “We are fully conscious of the centrality and importance of
adequate power supply for our developmental efforts. We have challenges
in the sector but we are constantly working to overcome them.
“We
are currently in a transition phase in which the sector is being
positively transformed. The sale of our generation and distribution
companies is almost concluded. Finally, everyone has paid and in the
shortest possible time, our power sector will take on a much more
positive life of its own for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Jonathan
said his administration remained fully committed to significantly
improving national infrastructure and would continue to work on rapidly
developing railway links, airports, seaports, roads and other
transportation services in the country.
“We
are glad that you appreciate what we are doing. We will continue to
work very hard so that Nigerians in all parts of the country will feel
the positive impact of our efforts to accelerate national development
and progress,” he said.
Responding to
the delegation’s request for his support for the creation of Anioma
State and for the next governor of Delta State to emerge from Delta
North if Anioma State did not become a reality before 2015, Jonathan
reportedly said such political matters did not depend on him alone.
Edozien,
on behalf of the delegation, thanked the President for the commencement
of work on the Second Niger Bridge and the approval of a cargo terminal
at the Asaba Airport.
The group also praised the President’s handling of the country’s security challenges.
“We
are glad that you have tenaciously carried on with your development
strides in spite of distractions. We believe you should be given all
necessary support to forge ahead and we assure you of our full support
if you decide to seek a second term in office,” Edozien told the
President.
FG to complete 11 power plants by 2014
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