Jubilation at Onitsha Drugs Market as Caretaker Committee Commissions 500KVA Transformer

By Praise Chinecherem

It was jubilation galore on Wednesday following commissioning of brand new 500kv transformer at the Ogbo-ogwu market in Onitsha, Anambra state.

Caretaker chairman, Ndubuisi Chukwuleta said the installation of the transformer in the market became necessary following epileptic power supply and cost implications on the market’s coffers.

He said the electricity bill of the market was as high as N10 million per month, expressing optimism that such financial burden would be history with the installation of the transformer.

He appreciated God and those who contributed to achieving the feat amidst leadership crisis, assuring of better days ahead.

“It has not been easy trying to carry the traders along. But I thank God, my executive members and several others who played one role or the other to make the transformer a reality.

“The truth is that no one can compete with me when it comes to infrastructural development, governance and management of crisis,” he added.

Commissioning the transformer, Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Chief Evarist Ubah commended the market leadership for numerous achievements recorded in the market, including the purchase of the transformer.

He attributed the feats to transparent leadership and accountable stewardship in the market.

He said the transformer would not only boost business activities in the market, but reduce the financial stress on the traders, especially in terms of fueling generating sets and their regular maintenance.

“Since the current administration came on board, revenue has increased. Recent records showed more returns from the market than those of entire head bridge. It was not like this before.

“We’re here to commission the brand new transformer which is for the benefit of all. I learnt the former transformer was 300kva. So this is an improvement which will carry more gadgets,” he added.

On the current leadership crisis, Ubah assured soon resolutions, calling for patience from traders and all other concerned stakeholders.

“We’re going to conduct election here. But the criteria for contesting the election is shop ownership and up-to-date payment of tax and other fees,” he added.