Deputy Speaker, Kalu Distributes 26 Transformers, 40,000 Solar Panels in Bende Light-Up Project

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has commenced the second phase of his Light Up Bende project with the distribution of 26 electricity transformers and 40,000 home solar panels across the 13 wards of Bende Federal Constituency in Abia State.

Kalu described the initiative, known as the Renewed Hope Light Project, as a renewed commitment to development, noting that access to electricity was essential for economic growth, improved livelihoods and sustainable community development.

According to the Deputy Speaker, the project was designed to address electricity challenges across communities in Bende and ensure that residents have access to reliable power for domestic and commercial activities.

He said the intervention was informed by needs assessments conducted to identify the major challenges facing the people, adding that improved electricity supply would help local businesses grow, expand economic activities and enhance residents’ quality of life.

“The Renewed Hope Light Project is an ongoing commitment, not a one-off intervention,” Kalu said.

He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing practical solutions that would expand access to electricity, stimulate enterprise and create opportunities for sustainable development in Bende and beyond.

Kalu Signs Contract for Alayi-Item Power Grid Restoration

In a related development, Kalu signed a service contract agreement with KELOFs Engineering Limited for the restoration and reticulation of electricity supply to Alayi, Item and adjoining communities.

The project involves repairs to the 33-kilovolt (33kV) power line and the replacement of vandalised distribution substation materials, as well as the provision of electricity connection materials, including cables, across the affected communities.

Speaking during the contract exchange with residents and stakeholders, the Deputy Speaker urged the benefiting communities to cooperate with the contractors to ensure the timely completion of the work.

“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 three-week target, if achieved, would restore electricity supply to communities that have reportedly endured prolonged disruption following the vandalism of the power infrastructure.

Ndukwe Hails Fulfilment of Promise

Reacting to the development, former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, described the intervention as an example of representation that responds to the needs of constituents.

Ndukwe said the restoration of the Alayi-Item power grid was the fulfilment of a promise made by Kalu, adding that he was present when the commitment was first announced.

Recounting how the project began, Ndukwe said Kalu had disclosed his plans to provide two electricity transformers to each ward in Bende and 10,000 alternative power sources to households during a meeting of presidents-general of Item Clan at Luxurycity Hotel, Aba.

According to Ndukwe, stakeholders at the meeting drew the Deputy Speaker’s attention to the Alayi-Item electricity grid, which they said had been vandalised by hoodlums about eight years earlier.

He said the stakeholders appreciated Kalu’s proposed electricity intervention but argued that restoring the grid linking Alayi, Item, Ugwueke and Igbere would deliver an immediate benefit to the affected communities.

Ndukwe added that Kalu subsequently promised to engage contractors who had handled the Ikwu Isi Light Up Bende project to assess the damaged infrastructure and submit a cost estimate for its restoration.

He said the latest development marked the fulfilment of that commitment, explaining that the company responsible for restoring the vandalised grid cables had presented its bill, with Kalu agreeing to finance the restoration from his personal funds.

“This is true representation. Leadership that listens and acts,” Ndukwe said.

He expressed optimism that the restoration would enable residents to enjoy improved electricity supply, particularly during the Christmas period.

The second phase of the Light Up Bende project and the planned restoration of the Alayi-Item power grid form part of the electricity interventions being pursued in Bende Federal Constituency, with the stated objective of improving access to power for households, businesses and communities.