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PHED Mulls Massive Disconnection Of Debtor Customers …To Sustain Arrest, Prosecution Of Energy Thieves
The management of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc has concluded plans to launch massive disconnection of debtor customers effective, January, 2022.
The Managing Director of the company, Dr Henry Ajagbawa, who disclosed this during an interactive parley with media executives in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, however, said that before the commencement of the exercise, customers would be given up to the end of December, 2021, to clear outstanding indebtedness to the company.
Ajagbawa said that to encourage customers to key into the window, a three-week grace period has been given to customers to clear a discounted payment of between 70percent and 80percent of outstanding debts, while the company writes off a graduated indebtedness of between 20percent and 30percent for their loyal customers.
He said that the promo period was to encourage loyal customers to enjoy steady and efficient electricity supply during the Yuletide and New Year through 2022, saying that already the company was seeing signs of high level of effectiveness in revenue collection.
Ajagbawa explained that for the first time since the company began operation of the four-state distribution network in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River; its financials have shown steady tilt towards profitability, and attributed the giant leap to encouraging attitude of customers in payment of energy consumed.
While expressing confidence that the 66percent revenue collection efficiency level achieved was significant, he complained that a situation where customers paid only 50kobo of every N1 of energy consumed was an unnecessary disincentive to investment, arguing that there was urgent need to bridge the yawning gap.
The PHED chief executive, who lamented that energy theft has continued to weaken the company’s drive towards steady and regular electricity supply to its huge customers in the zone, said that more stringent strategies have been put in place to arrest and prosecute all energy thieves to ensure that those who religiously meet their obligations get regular electricity supply, adding that the company was doing all it can to close all leakages in the system.
He noted the alleged corruption in the energy theft conundrum, but said that as a way of eliminating staff compromise in the entire debacle, the management has ensured that staff welfare was key priority, with salaries paid on 30th of every month, while other incentives have been implemented across the spectrum.
“As part of strategies to improve staff welfare, we have procured and put to use over 100 vehicles to enable technical crews respond to customer needs as quickly as possible; just as we have procured more than 800 personal protective equipment (PPEs) for technicians and engineers. We have also ensured regular promotion of staff every June and December based on measurable performance matrix, with those promoted receiving their benefits effective every January and July, for those promoted in December and June, respectively.
Ajagbawa warned customers against engaging the services of non-PHED staff to address any services, including connection and reconnection of supply lines, installation of transformers or repairs of facilities, saying that most of the fatalities recorded thus far were traceable to use of fake PHED personnel to perform illegal connection or reconnection activities.
While addressing technical issues in the business, Ajagbawa said that since inception two years ago, the new management has embarked on proactive redistribution of more than 10 feeders and/or transformers; repaired over 300 transformers; procured and installed over 30 new transformers; and installed more than 10 automatic circuit reclosers; to boost and balance electricity supply to customers, who are connected to electricity through more than 10,000 transformers in the network.
He also said that in a bid to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its valued customers, the company had at some point, intervened by supporting the rehabilitation of facilities of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and added that the management was working very closely with all stakeholders, including Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), National Assembly, the Executive in all catchment states, particularly the governors; and community leaders to ensure security of installations and safety of field staff as a veritable means of guaranteeing regular electricity supply.
On the dearth of prepaid meters to capture all customers who need one, Ajagbawa said that at inception, PHED had procured and distributed 79,000 new meters to customers who indicated interest to transit from the analogue structure to automated prepaid regime, saying that with the huge 800,000-unmetered customer deficit inherited from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at take-off, it would take concerted synergy and huge investments to close the demand-supply gap.
He, however, said that as a deliberate approach towards bridging the gap, the management has concluded arrangements with meter manufacturers (MAP VENDORS) under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to produce more meters for customers at NERC-approved rates of N58,661.69 from N44,896.17 for single phase meters; and N109,684.36 from N82,855.19 for three phase meters.
Ajagbawa advised customers who need prepaid meters to go to designated PHED business offices or zonal centres to register and pay for new meters at approved rates, assuring that customers’ monies would be refunded through direct vending or credit adjustment on bill payments over time.
He assured loyal customers who take advantage of the opportunities that every kobo spent on prepaid meter procurement would be refunded, saying that the initiative was to ensure that the ‘meter-is-free’ policy was fully implemented without compromising the intent and purpose.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
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We’re Working To Improve Quality Of Life Of Rivers People -Fubara …As Taraba Gov Inaugurates 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja Roads Project
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, yesterday.
The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.
Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.
He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning of projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.
The Governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfill that promise.
“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.
“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”
The Governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.
He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.
“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interest of our people are top on our list,” he assured.
Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.
Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.
He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.
“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”
Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”
Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.
In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.
Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.
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We’ll Implement Judicial Commission’s Report On Arson, Killings -Fubara …Says Such Violence Must Stop In Rivers
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured of implementing the recommendations of the report submitted to him by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the Arson, Killings, and Wanton Destruction of Property at some local government council headquarters on or around Monday, October 7, 2024.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance when the seven-member commission, led by the Chairman, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, submitted four volumes of reports of their investigation and recommendations to him at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
The Governor declared that his administration will neither tolerate nor allow such level of violence in the State anymore because it is not profitable or productive.
He said, “We are not going to be part of any system that would encourage any destruction in this State. And for that reason, we had to inaugurate this commission, so that this commission should look into the remote and immediate causes of this problem.
“And I believe that the recommendations of this commission, with the help of God and the support of everyone, we will make sure that we implement the recommendations.”
Governor Fubara said: “We are going to take it to the next stage. The report will be presented to the Executive Council, and there, we will surely come out with the White Paper and with the White Paper. I can assure you, we are going to follow it to the end.
“Nobody is above the law, including me. So, provided what we are doing is within the confines of the law, we will do it with the help of every one.”
Governor Fubara recalled how, before 2014, a group of persons had ran wide recklessly in the State, burning down court buildings.
He noted that it is such persons, who had recently surfaced with their destructive tendencies, and have extended the violence to local government councils, killing people and destroying government property.
Governor Fubara wondered why somebody will spend so much money to build a structure intended to last as legacy of the administration but would eventually be part of its destruction in the name of politics.
Governor Fubara clarified that he has never been part of such destructive politics that continue to set the State backwards and frustrate progressive development strides.
Governor Fubara said: “I make bold to say it, I have never been and will never be a party to anything that will bring shame, disgrace, destruction to our dear State.
“It is our State. If it is well with us, it will be well with everybody. As a matter of fact, why should I encourage destruction, when I know that when you finish spoiling things, you still need money to rebuild them.
“I am an accountant, I know the importance of how we can manage money. Rather than spoil, you should use that money to do a new thing for the State.”
Governor Fubara vowed: “So, I am going to ensure that we put a stop to that level of violence or such unreasonable violence. I call it unreasonable violence because it doesn’t mean anything in politics.
“Politics is a business of interest. There is no permanent friend, no permanent enemy. Some persons who were not even in our support, today, they are here following us because their interest is the most important thing.
“Likewise tomorrow, if the interest changes, they will also go their different ways. So, why burn down the house?”
Governor Fubara thanked members of the commission for being bold, focused, and accomplishing their task with determination in the face of physical and legal threats.
In her presentation, Chairman of the seven-member Judicial Commission of Inquiry, Justice Ibiwengi Roseline Minakiri, said they had put their findings into four volumes, including the recommendations.
Justice Minakiri explained: “We have here four volumes of the report. We have the memoranda, which is the memoranda we got after we made our publications.
“We also have the exhibits that came with the memoranda. We have the proceedings and the records. At the end of the day, we came up with the main report.”
Justice Minakiri advised that the recommendations of the report should be studied and implemented so that people can be deterred from such callous acts and the sought-after peace secured for the State.
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We Are Eager To Showcase The Best Of Rivers State -Fubara …Declares Federation Of Public Service Games Open
The Rivers State Government says it is committed to providing a memorable experience for all delegates participating in the Federation of Public Service Games(FEPSGA) hosted by the State Government.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the opening Ceremony of the 43rd Edition, Public Service Games, titled ”Simplified Rivers 2024″, at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, last Sunday.
Speaking through his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Governor Fubara said “Our hospitality is renowned and we are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment, we have everything in place to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for all participants.”
Governor Fubara said to ensure the success of the games his Administration has put in place comprehensive plans and preparations with four venues approved for the events which include the Sharks Stadium, Alfred Diette -Spiff Civic Centre, Port Harcourt Club and the University of Port Harcourt.
The State Chief Executive urged participants to remember that the true spirit of FEPSGA goes beyond winning medals, stressing that it is about building bridges of friendship, fostering a sense of community and celebrating our diversity.
According to him, we envision a public service that is more productive, more efficient and more effective, a future where public servants are empowered to deliver exceptional results driven by a culture of excellence, innovation and teamwork.
The Governor reiterated that while a healthy mind and body are essential for high productivity, regular physical activity boosts our mood, increases energy levels and enhances our cognitive function. We are eager to showcase the best of Rivers State. From top-notch facilities to a secure environment.
In her address Head of the Civil Service of the Federation Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who spoke through Dr.(Mrs) Magdalene Ajani, Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Interior Commended Governor Fubara for hosting this year’s event, and for his dedication to promoting sports and fostering unity in the country.
She noted that the event which serves as a platform for furthering unity, camaraderie and sportsmanship amongst public servants, was a celebration of their shared commitment to excellence, resilience and service to the nation.
Also speaking the National President of the Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Amaebi Aloku, said Rivers State got the nod to host the annual event because the Federation was pleased with the vision of Governor Fubara in identifying with the needs of the Civil Servants in the State, in terms of their welfare and being one of the first State to implement the new minimum wage and even taking it above what was approved by the national.
Earlier the Head of Service Rivers State, Dr George Nwaeke had welcomed all participants to the State and expressed gratitude to the Governor for approving and making available the resources to host the games, noting that it was an opportunity to interact with all Civil Servants across the nation.