Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Edo State Government has set up taskforce in conjunction with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and other security outfits to check electricity theft and eliminate estimated billings in the state.
The Govt has also set December this year as deadline for every houses in the state to be metered.
Speaking to journalists shortly after signing the Memoranda of understanding with the EFCC, the Commissioner for Mining and Energy, Oil and Gas, Mr. Enaholo Ojiefo, said that the taskforce is empowered to arrest and prosecute any offenders found to be engaging in electricity theft or illegal bypassing or tempering with the metre with the intention of adjusting or bypassing.
The Commissioner also disclosed that the state amended electricity law provides for two years imprisonment or an option of fine or both for anyone caught in the act.
In the same vain, commissioner Ojiefo said that the state government has set December this year as deadline for residence to be metered and has started the project with the launch of 500,000 metres which is been sold at a government subsidized rates.
He urged the citizens to take advantage to get their houses to be metred.
The commissioner said the collaboration with the EFCC and other security outfits is to enhance government’s commitment to ensure that the people of the state is enjoying maximum electricity supply which will inturn boast their businesses and increase the economy activities in the state.
The governor, he said has given the ministry approval to build mini solar lights in about 50 communities across the three senatorial districts of the state before the end of the year.
He disclosed that as at today, Ohorvbe community, Eyean community, Military Base Hospital and Irrua Teaching Hospital have been installed with one megawatt of solar panel and 1.5 megawatt respectfully.
According to the commissioner, the 50 communities will be electrified before the end of the year with the provision of one megawatt each for all the communities and assured that by the end of the exercise, Edo State will become the industrial hub of the country.