FG to complete 11 power plants by 2014

The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, has said all the 11 power plants being constructed by the Federal Government will be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

Maku stated this on Monday while fielding questions from journalists after the Peoples Democratic Party stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

He said seven out of the power plants had so far been completed, while efforts were being intensified to complete others before the end of the first quarter of 2014.

The minister said the Federal Government had completed 150 out of the 220 injection sub-stations being constructed to stabilise and hold the power to be generated.

Maku further explained that the privatisation of the sector would enhance efficiency in power delivery as was witnessed in the telecoms sector.

The minister noted that the Federal Government deserved commendation for completing the plants in two years, adding that electricity generation would double in the next few years.

 “It is almost magical for the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration to have achieved this feat in just two years; this is a clear indication of his commitment to deliver on power,” he said.

Maku pointed out that the present administration had done far more than any previous administration in the country.

He, therefore, appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the administration, pointing out that there would be a lot of improvement and stability in the power sector before the end of 2014.

Maku said the media was under reporting the achievements of the government.

He said, “It is unfortunate that the media is focusing more on personality rather than discussing development.

“The media should focus more on progress and on the achievements of the government irrespective of political party platform in the interest of the people.”

He added that the government needed support and the media had the responsibility to report progress “so that you don’t fixate yourself with politics.”

“Politicians will want to undermine tangible achievements because they will want to come in, but the reality of what the Jonathan administration is doing is very clear and deserves to be reported,” he said.

Meanwhile, the President has given an assurance to Nigerians that they will soon begin to enjoy the benefits of the privatisation of the power sector with the successful conclusion of the sale of the generation and distribution companies.

Read more: http://www.punchng.com/business/business-economy/fg-to-complete-11-power-plants-by-2014/