By Monday Ajogun
Some residents of Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo on Thursday, commended Gov. Monday Okpebholo for the ongoing 100-megawatt (MW) power project and industrial park cited in the community.
The residents gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin.
They said the project would boost electricity supply, attract investors, create jobs and stimulate economic activities in Ologbo and neighbouring communities.
NAN gathered that the project, which was being developed by CCETC, comprises a 100MW natural-gas-powered electricity generation facility and an industrial park.
NAN recalls that the project was formally launched in February as part of efforts to strengthen electricity supply and promote industrial development in the state.
A local laundry operator, Mr Imowo Iyip, described the project as “a welcome development,” recalling the electricity challenges previously experienced by residents.
Iyip said improved electricity supply would reduce dependence on generators and support small businesses operating in the community.
Another resident, Pastor Friday Johnson, who said he had lived in the area for more than two decades, also recalled periods when residents depended heavily on generators.
He said recent improvements in electricity supply had brought relief to residents, expressing optimism that the new power project would further improve economic activities.
Another resident, Mr Udok Uwen, described the project as “a very good development” for Ologbo and neighbouring communities.
Uwen said the combination of improved electricity supply and the industrial park could make the area more attractive to businesses while providing employment opportunities for young people.
“We hope that the project would contribute to improved living standards and stimulate other forms of development in the community,” he said.
According to him, the ongoing development has given the community renewed optimism about the economic prospects of Ologbo, particularly as the project moves toward completion.
The CCETC Project Coordinator, Mr Jiang Fan, said the company is working closely with the state government to deliver the facility, adding that significant progress had been recorded.
“I am in charge of this project and this is our 100 megawatts of power generation and also an industrial park,” Fan said.
He explained that most of the generating equipment had arrived and installation is substantially advanced.
According to him, the technology uses natural gas, with individual generating units rated at 2.3MW, while the overall target is 100MW.
Fan said about 90 per cent of the foundation work had been completed, while roughly half of the overall work plan had been achieved.
He also disclosed that the project had secured the necessary generation and distribution licences, with the remaining work focused on final preparations before electricity generation and distribution commenced.
Fan said the distribution arrangement would cover six local government areas, with the possibility of expansion to other parts of the state.
He said reliable electricity would be meaningful to businesses and investors in Edo.
He added that the industrial park and existing investments around the project area could generate additional opportunities for investment and employment.
He said the project was also expected to increase local economic participation, with construction activities already providing jobs for local workers.
Fan said the anticipated expansion of the industrial park would create more employment opportunities for residents.
“With a lot of investment and our industrial park started, more opportunities will be available for residents to work,” he added. (NAN)
AJOM/AUO/CHOM