The Deputy Speaker, Federal House of Representative, Chief Benjamin Kalu has ended twenty-three years of darkness in all five Autonomous communities in Bende Local Government Area of Abia state.
The communities have now been reconnected to the National Grid.
During the commissioning of the rehabilitated Uzuakoli-Ozuitem Bende Electricity Line and connecting Uzuakoli-Ozuitem and Bende to the National Grid at his country home Okputong Square Bende, Kalu said he personally funded the project.
According to him, the aim was to ensure improved socio-economic activities of the council, attract businesses and to improve quality of life for his people.
He blamed the long era of darkness in the local government area to negligence and activities of vandals urging the people to take ownership the electricity project.
The Deputy Speaker who pledged continued support also warned against vandalism and bypass.
He stressed that anyone found committing such crime will be prosecuted and regarded as enemy of Bende.
Chief Kalu also urged his people to support the ruling party at the centre to ensuring good governance.
Speaking earlier, the President General of Bende council Area, Professor Gabriel Osuagwu assured the Deputy Speaker absolute protection of the transformers and other gadgets of the electricity project.
Some residents of Bende including Okezie Usim and Madam Chioma Udensi all appreciated Kalu for the restoration of light.
They described his benevolence as a milestone that would restore the lost hope of the people of the area.
They affirmed that the gesture would improve business and growth of Bende and described light as life and hope.
