The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has awarded a ₦100 million contract to KELOFS Engineering Limited for the restoration of electricity along the Alayi-Item axis and other affected communities in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State.
Kalu said the contract was part of efforts to address prolonged power outages in the area and ensure that communities benefit from electricity infrastructure provided under the Light Up Bende initiative.
Speaking during the contract signing ceremony, the Deputy Speaker explained that the project would involve repairing damaged electricity infrastructure, including fallen poles, disconnected power lines and the replacement of vandalised distribution materials.
He said the contractor had been directed to return to the affected communities and commence work immediately, with the aim of restoring electricity supply within three weeks.
Kalu expressed confidence in KELOFS Engineering Limited, noting that the company had satisfactorily handled previous assignments and was expected to deliver on the new contract.
He said the project would cover Alayi and communities across Item, including Item A, Item B and Item C, which have experienced prolonged power outages.
The Deputy Speaker explained that the electricity restoration initiative was being extended beyond Bende South to Bende North, following an assessment that identified several communities requiring urgent intervention.
He said the intervention was designed to ensure that residents across the federal constituency benefited from improved electricity infrastructure.
Kalu also disclosed that efforts were underway to restore electricity in Ugwunkpa, where residents had reportedly been without power for years.
According to him, funds had been released for the project, expressing optimism that electricity supply would soon return to the community.
He stressed that the Light Up Bende initiative was intended to deliver practical benefits to residents by addressing electricity challenges and improving access to power.
The Deputy Speaker attributed the interventions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the President had encouraged elected representatives to translate government policies into tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians.
He added that representatives of the affected communities were invited to witness the contract signing to promote transparency and keep residents informed about the project.
Kalu urged community leaders, youths and residents to cooperate with the contractor and provide the necessary support to ensure the successful execution of the work.
He said the contract covered the restoration of electricity supply along the 33kV power line serving Item and neighbouring communities, as well as the replacement of vandalised electricity distribution equipment.
The Deputy Speaker expressed optimism that the contractor would mobilise to the project sites without delay and complete the work within the stipulated three-week timeframe.
The electricity restoration projects are expected to complement the distribution of transformers and household solar lighting systems across Bende Federal Constituency.
Kalu reiterated his call on residents of Alayi, Item, Uzuakoli, Uzuitem and other affected communities to support the restoration exercise, noting that improved electricity supply would enhance economic activities and improve living conditions across the area.
