From Sylvanus Viashima, Jalingo
A member of the House of Representatives for Taraba State’s Bali/Gassol federal constituency, Honorable Jafaru Yakubu Chiroma, has flagged of the connection of some communities in the constituency to the national grid.
Jafaru, who flagged off the project at Yerima, in Gassol Local Government Area of the state, disclosed that the project will connect the 33KVA from Mutum Biyu, Yerima, Gassol to Tella, all in Gassol Local Government Area.
The law maker insisted that he was at the National Assembly mainly to protect the interests of his constituents and he will do everything within the boundaries of law to ensure that they experience good governance and dividends of democracy.
“It is really sad to note that the entire Taraba Central Zone is in darkness. My people do not know what is electricity because they have never seen it, except for those who have been to other places. It is simply unfair. That is why I decided to make this a top priority,” the lawmaker stated.
“Today, I am here to empower my people with sowing machines, liquid fertilisers and several other items. This is aimed at ameliorating their hardship and making them self-sufficient. But you can only imagine what electricity could do to this hardworking people of Gassol and Bali local government areas.
“It is our informed projection that thousands of youth will be taken off the streets as they will engage in some trades such as Barbing Saloon, welding, computer centres and a lot more. We also expect a flood of small and medium enterprises to spring up such that very few people in the area will remain idle.
“You are aware that this place has been plaqued by insecurity. This is a move to address the challenge as well. Once people are gainfully engaged, they won’t have time for illicit drugs and crime.
“These are also farming communities and the idea of mechanised farming can only be materialised when there are facilities for processing and storage of produce. Most of these facilities require constant power supply to function. Considering the huge cost of petrol and diesel, it’s practically impossible to power such facilities with generators and that explain why we are where we are today. However, with these communities connected to the national grid, I can assure you that a lot of things will change around here for good,” he said.
Our correspondent reports that the law maker also donated a 500KVA Transformer To Mutum-Biyu Community, flagged off the construction of Ikm Road in Tella community, distributed Sewing Machines to about 60 women and Liquid Fertilizer to farmers and commissioned a 5000L Overhead Water Tank in Garin-Karfe community.
Some of the constituents describe the gesture as unprecedented and heart warming as it now shows that they have a representative in Government who has their interest at heart.