…targets 200km of streetlights in Benin, completes 40km
…community leader hails gov, says project‘ll check insecurity
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, said his administration has completed the construction of 40km out of the 200km of street lights projects around the greater Benin area.
The governor disclosed this during the commissioning of 3km streetlights projects along Siluko Road in Egor Local Government Area and another 3.3km streetlights along Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha LGA.
He said, “As a government, these are parts of our commitment to our people that we must light up Edo. This is a government of light and when light comes darkness will go.
“We are constructing about 200km of street lights around the greater Benin area over the next 12 months. We have done about 40km already and extended it across the Benin metropolitan area. This project in Siluko Road will take us to Teachers’ House and from there to Channel 55 and before I leave office, I am hoping to take this line right through Iguoriahki, Igwuobazuwa and Okada.”
On the maintenance of the project, he said, “We have changed strategy as the bulb for the lighting has a 5-year warranty on them. We have a maintenance arrangement that will go round almost on a weekly basis to make sure that the burnt out bulbs are changed but we don’t expect to change these bulbs within the next 3 to 5 years.”
Obaseki appealed to the communities to protect the projects and own it, adding, “I urge the youths to protect the projects as the government will not be here to protect it for you 24/7. If any careless hit and run driver breaks any of the poles, make sure you hold them and ensure they pay for it before they go. Ensure nobody vandalises the projects or steals the wires.”
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Electricity, Engr. Victor Obanor said the lighting project is a star project and one of its kind as the state has been described as a fast developing economy in Nigeria since power is key and vital to economic development.
The traditional ruler in Ogida, Chief Ogida of Evbuogida, who spoke on behalf of the community, commended the governor for his developmental stride in the state, noting, “We are grateful for this streetlight as it will check the insecurity problems by at least 30 per cent and motorists and inhabitants of this Community will be free to move round without fear at night.”
