The Minister for Energy and Green Transition and Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency, Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, has commissioned 13 communities onto the national electricity grid under the ongoing electrification project in his constituency.
The commissioning, which took place on Saturday, October 11, forms part of a broader initiative to connect 20 communities, with the remaining seven expected to be completed and inaugurated soon.
Hon. Jinapor reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring equitable access to electricity across the Savannah Region, noting that the area remains among the least connected in the country. He revealed plans to connect at least 100 communities in the first phase of the National Electrification Programme.
According to the Minister, the government, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, will next year launch an ambitious “Thank You Project” to accelerate rural electrification using local contractors.
The initiative, he said, would not only benefit the Savannah Region but also extend to other parts of the country.
“Electricity is not just a social project it drives development and productivity. Under His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, electricity will be extended to every corner of the country,” Hon. Jinapor assured.
He urged residents of newly connected communities to use power responsibly and pay their bills regularly. “If more people pay, we can generate more revenue to sustain transmission. But if only a few pay, it becomes a problem,” he cautioned.
Hon. Jinapor also directed the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) to be considerate towards customers who make regular payments, and to provide flexible payment plans for those in arrears.
However, he warned that the ministry will not tolerate illegal connections or non-payment, stressing that such practices could cripple the power sector.
Commending NEDCo staff for their ongoing loss reduction and revenue improvement initiatives, which have boosted collection by about 10 percent, the Minister encouraged them to continue their duties with professionalism and respect.
Acting Managing Director of NEDCo (Northern Region), Eng. John Okine Yamoah, also cautioned residents against tampering with meters or engaging in illegal connections, emphasizing that offenders will face the full rigors of the law.
He reminded the public that “power is not free,” and urged all consumers to pay their bills promptly to ensure a sustainable electricity supply.
Source: kashafmonline.com
Post a Comment