February 25, (THEWILL) — The Uyo Local Government Council, Akwa Ibom State, has commissioned a 500KVA power substation and a new compassionate housing unit to strengthen electricity supply for small businesses and expand social support for vulnerable residents.
The projects include a 500KVA transformer and substation at Mbiabong Ikot Akpan in Etoi Clan and a newly completed ARISE Compassionate Home for a widow in Nsukara Offot.
The interventions, according to the Council chairman, Dr Uwemedimo Udo, are designed to stimulate grassroots economic activity while improving living conditions in underserved communities.
Dr Udo described the electrification project as a strategic investment in enterprise development and community safety, saying that improved power stability would enhance night-time visibility, reduce security concerns, and create a more supportive environment for artisans, traders and small-scale operators.
Council authorities noted that reliable electricity remains central to sustaining the informal economy, which accounts for a significant share of employment at the local level.
They said the new substation is expected to reduce outages, cut operational costs for electricity-dependent businesses and encourage fresh investments in the area.
In Nsukara Offot, the ARISE Compassionate Housing initiative delivered permanent shelter to a vulnerable resident as part of broader social welfare efforts targeting low-income and at-risk households across the council area.
Members of the Uyo Legislative Council commended the administration for prioritising projects with direct community impact.
Speaking through the Council Leader, Hon. Ekemini Bassey, the lawmakers said the initiatives demonstrate a focus on infrastructure and social intervention capable of strengthening public trust in local governance.
Some stakeholders of the Council area who spoke to our Correspondent said the projects are consistent with the development agenda of Umo Eno, which emphasises grassroots infrastructure expansion, social protection and community-based economic empowerment.
They added that the combined electricity and housing interventions reflect efforts to translate policy commitments into measurable improvements in security, welfare and economic opportunity for residents of Uyo Local Government Area.
