By Mary Bassey, House of Assembly Correspondent
The Cross River State Electricity Bill has been read the second time on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
The Lead Sponsor of the Bill and Leader of the 10th Assembly, Rt. Hon. Francis Bassey Asuquo, representing Odukpani State Constituency, in his presentation said that the bill provides for the creation and administration of the State’s Electricity Market as well as the establishment of the Regulatory Commission which will regulate electricity generation, transmission, systems operations, distribution and supply.
Hon. Asuquo further stated that the bill also provides for establishment of the State’s Electrification Agency as well as the State’s Electrification Fund to promote reliable and universal access to electricity for all residents in the State.
He prayed for the support of the bill by Lawmakers while enumerating the advantages that the State will derive from the bill when passed into Law.
In reaction to the debate, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Sylvester Agabi noted that the bill will greatly facilitate job creation amongst other benefits.
The Chief Whip of the House, Rt. Hon. Hillary Bisong emphasized that the State should take advantage of the recent removal of electricity from the exclusive list to the concurrent legislative list thereby empowering states to go into electricity generation and transmission. He added that this will positively impact every facet of the state’s economy as the importance of electricity to the well-being of citizens cannot be overemphasized.
The Deputy Leader of the House and Member representing Abi State Constituency, Rt. Hon. Davies Etta noted that some states have already passed the bill hence the need for the House to give it an early passage to enable the state enjoy the numerous benefits of improved power supply.
Other Lawmakers unanimously supported the bill maintaining that, Cross River State with several rivers and waterfalls is naturally endowed to generate electricity which will adequately address the current epileptic power supply and rejuvenate economic activities.
They noted, amongst other benefits that, small and medium scale industries will thrive while investors will be encouraged to site businesses in the State.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem reiterated that the state has been plagued by epileptic power supply from the National Grid for a long time making it difficult for businesses to thrive as most of them depend sorely on generators. Adding that adequate power supply drives the economy of nations.
Ayambem further affirmed that the House will give the bill an early passage after a robust engagement with stakeholders during it’s public hearing stage. He subsequently referred the bill to the House Committee on Power after it’s second reading by the Clerk, Barr. Catherine Ubi.
Leave feedback about this