To boost power supply in Asaba and environs, Delta State Government has approved the development of a 8.5 mega watts Integrated Power Project [IPP] in Asaba through Public-Private Partnership.

Speaking Tuesday in Asaba, while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council Meeting  presided over by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, the Commissioner For Information, Mr. Parick Ukah flanked by his colleagues, Barrister New-world Safugha [Power], , Engr. Jude Sinebe [Higher Education] and Chief James Augoye [Works], said that Council has approved the develpment of an Integrated Power Plant project in Asaba through public- private partnership with Bastan-Cherry Power Solutions Limited to generate 8.5 mega watts to power government establishments, estates and infrastructure.

Mr Ukah said that the project was in fulfilment of the government’s campaign promises, and would be developed in conjunction with a private investor, Messrs. Bastan Cherry Power Solutions Limited to improve power supply in Asaba and environs, stressing that government would only provide guarantee to utilize the  8.5MVA  generated for a period of ten years.

Mr. Safugha, Commissioner For Power,on his part, stated that the project would be beneficial to Deltans as it would not only generate jobs for the youths but also reduce electricity tariffs paid by government as it [power plant] would power government offices, estate and infrastructure, and in turn improved electric supply in Asaba.

Other decisions reached, according to Mr. Ukah, include the appointment of Messrs. ZOPAC Consulting Limited to provide Revenue Cycle Management and Consultancy Services [RCMCS] to the state government; the Public Private Partnership for hostel development in the state owned tertiary institutions; the Construction/Rehabilitation of the 5.12km  Edgborode –Elume Road and the Kwale Township Roads and Drainage in Sapele and Ndokwa West Local Government areas respectively and the infrastructural development and supply of furniture to some selected schools in the state.

Mr. Ukah further  disclosed that the appointment of Messers Zopac Consulting Limited to provide Revenue Cycle Management and Consultancy Services (RCMCS) would help government block loopholes existing in revenue collection in the state and generate enough money for governance.

Answering questions on the alleged retirement of staff of tertiary institutions in the state, Engr. Sinebe, Commissioner for Higher Education, explained that his Ministry only asked those who have attained the official retirement age to proceed on retirement stating that the circular they relied on to stay beyond the stipulated retirement age has not domesticated in the state as it has to pass through the House of Assembly for approval.

He revealed that the process for its revalidation and domestication in the state was on going.