By Sodeinde Temidayo David
In a bid to increase power supply and provide uninterrupted power to its residents, the Lagos State Government has announced the release of 20,000 free prepaid meters to low-income areas of the state.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Olalere Odusote, disclosed that the meters would be distributed to residents of the Alimosho Local Government Area of the state in the first state.
He said the gesture was made possible with a Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) signed by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources with Ikeja Electric and Sahara Power Group.
“This Memoranda of Agreement is to ensure the provision of uninterrupted power to residents, especially the low-income areas,” Mr Odusote stated, adding that it aims to increase power supply to at least 22 hours daily from about eight to 12 hours daily.
The Commissioner disclosed that the implementation would be ensured and that a number of feeders that can provide power in 20,000 low-income areas have been identified with plans to replicate the initiative across the state.
“We have identified a number of feeders that can provide power in these communities and implementation would start immediately.
“Our intention is to replicate this gesture in other areas of the state once the pilot phase is successfully executed,” the Commissioner said.
This initiative is part of efforts to solve the problem of metering and infrastructure deficit to ensure these areas get power supply which is also measurable.
On her part, the Managing Director of Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan, expressed the firm’s readiness to support the Lagos State Government in ensuring an uninterrupted power supply to residents of the state.
Also, the Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Mr Anthony Youdeowei, disclosed that the company will be transparent in its dealings with the Lagos State Government and Ikeja Electric to provide power supply for Lagosians.
Modupe Gbadeyanka