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By Steve Agbota
To enhance primary healthcare delivery in Rivers State, West Africa Container Terminal (WACT)-APM Terminals Nigeria has made a commendable donation and successfully commissioned solar power systems at two primary healthcare centers within its host communities in Onne and Ogu. This initiative marks a major step in addressing critical healthcare infrastructure needs and providing sustainable solutions to local communities.
The beneficiaries of this solar power project include the Model Primary Health Care Centre in Onne, located in Eleme Local Government Area, and the Model Primary Health Care Centre in Ogu, within the Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area. Both centers have struggled with unreliable power supply, which has hindered effective healthcare delivery. The introduction of solar power is aimed at resolving this persistent power issue, significantly boosting the operational capabilities of these health centers.
According to WACT-APM Terminals, this solar initiative will positively impact over 25,000 households across the two communities, providing them with improved healthcare access and services. These centers will now have a consistent and reliable power source, crucial for the efficient operation of medical equipment, refrigeration for vaccines, lighting for emergency procedures, and other critical functions.
At the commissioning ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke, highlighted the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts and its deep commitment to aligning its business objectives with the needs of the surrounding communities.
“This kind of programme is very much at the core of what we stand for as a company. While our business is handling containers and facilitating trade, we see ourselves as partners with the communities and governments where we operate. This initiative reflects our desire to give back and be seen as an integral part of the communities we serve,” Klinke said.
Klinke also highlighted health and education as the primary pillars of APM Terminals’ global CSR strategy.
He further emphasised the significant impact that improving health could have on the broader community. “If we can raise the general health of the people around us, especially women, we empower communities economically. This solar project is a pilot, and we anticipate scaling up such initiatives to create a broader impact in society,” he added.
In his remarks, Managing Director of WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria, Jeethu Jose, reiterated the company’s ongoing dedication to improving the well-being of its host communities.
“Primary healthcare is the backbone of any community. Strengthening these centers reduces the burden on secondary and tertiary facilities. Access to power is a basic necessity, and we are committed to working closely with the community to ensure long-term growth, partnership, and progress,” Jose remarked.
The decision to implement solar power systems came after a thorough needs assessment in Onne and Ogu, carried out by the WACT-APM Terminals team. According to the company’s Community Relations Manager, Justin Okwuofu, the assessment revealed that a dependable power supply was the most urgent requirement for the health centers. This informed the choice to implement solar power as a viable solution to address the issue.
The solar power project has garnered widespread support from local leaders and government officials.
Dr. Okachi Chukwuma, speaking on behalf of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, commended WACT-APM Terminals for aligning its efforts with the state government’s vision to strengthen primary healthcare infrastructure. “This initiative is a vital contribution to improving healthcare in our communities. WACT-APM Terminals’ support is in perfect alignment with the goals of the Rivers State government to ensure accessible, reliable healthcare for all,” Dr. Chukwuma remarked.
Christians Tamunobereton-ari, the Vice-Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, also praised the solar power initiative, underscoring its importance. “This solar power installation is the most critical need for this facility. With this system in place, our nurses and doctors will now work more efficiently, ensuring better health outcomes for the people in this community,” he stated.
WACT-APM Terminals Nigeria continues to focus on projects that support health, education, training, empowerment, and environmental sustainability as part of its broader mission to uplift communities and improve the overall quality of life in areas where it operates. This solar power initiative is just one example of the company’s commitment to creating lasting, positive impacts in local communities through targeted corporate social responsibility programmes.
