REPORTER: PEACE AGBO
The Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representative, Chief Benjamin Kalu has reconnected all the five Autonomous communities in Bende Local Government Area of Abia state to the National Grid after 23 years of darkness.Speaking during the commissioning of the rehabilitated Uzuakoli-Ozuitem Bende Electricity Line and connecting Uzuakoli-Ozuitem and Bende to the National Grid at the his country home Okputong Square Bende, Chief Benjamin Kalu said the restoration of light to the five Autonomous communities of the area was personally funded by him.The Deputy Speaker said the aim of lighting up Bende from the Alaoji Power Plant Aba was to ensure improved socio-economic activities of the council, attract businesses and for his people to enjoy the city life.He regretted that the people of the council had experienced darkness for years due to negligence and activities of vandals but called on them to take ownership the electricity project.The Deputy Speaker who pledged continued support warned against vandalism and bypass stressing that anyone found wanting irrespective of who is involved be prosecuted and regarded as enemy of Bende.While urging them to support the ruling party at the centre to ensuring good governance told the people of the area form credible Local Vigilante Group to safe guard the electricity projects in their respective areas and assured them incorporating their salaries to Ben Kalu’s foundation.Earlier in his remarks, the President General of Bende council Area, Professor Gabriel Osuagwu assured the Deputy Speaker absolute protection of the transformers and other gadgets of the electricity project.In their separate contributions, some residents of Bende Mr Okezie Usim and Madam Chioma Udensi all thanked Chief Benjamin Kalu for the restoration of light and described his benevolence as a milestone that would restore the lost hope of the people of the area.They noted that gesture would improve business and growth of Bende and described light as life and hope.
