The Delta government has initiated fresh efforts to restore electricity supply in parts of Isoko and Ndokwa, with plans underway to rehabilitate and expand key power infrastructure across the affected communities.
The initiative was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary of the Ministerial Tenders Board, State Ministry of Energy, Mr Theophilus Bayoko.
Recall that Ndokwa community recently protested over more than two decades of blackout in their communities.The peaceful protest, which was led by the President General of Ndokwa Nation, Mr Nkem Adoh, accused successive governments of neglecting the region and failing to address a crisis that had stunted economic growth and worsened poverty.
The projects were designed to tackle the long-standing electricity challenges linked to damaged and inadequate facilities in several communities.
According to the ministry’s Planning, Research and Statistics Department, the tender process has been opened to qualified contractors to bid for the execution of the proposed projects.
“A key component of the plan is the construction of a 33KV high-voltage transmission line linking Emevor, Otor-Owhe, and the Isoko Roundabout, aimed at improving power distribution within the axis.
”The government also proposed the rehabilitation of vandalised sections of the existing 33KV line between Iyede and Ellu in Isoko North Local Government Area, ” the ministry said.
In Ndokwa West Local Government Area, the ministry announced plans for reconstruction of a damaged 33KV power line stretching from Abbi through Emu-Obodeti to the Kwale 7.5MVA Injection Station.
It said that the development is expected to restore supply to communities that have experienced prolonged outages.
The ministry also outlined plans to upgrade the 500KVA Independent Power Project transformer located at the Permanent Secretary’s Quarters in Asaba to a 1000KVA capacity, as part of broader efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure.
Recall that since assuming office, Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori has placed emphasis on infrastructure development, with increased focus on the power sector following the state’s electricity reform framework.
Residents and business owners in Isoko and Ndokwa have expressed optimism that the projects would bring lasting relief from years of unstable electricity supply.
Reacting to the development, Mr Frank, a welder in Emevor community said, ” lack of electricity has been a major challenge in our area both at homes and our place of businesses.
”For my business to thrive, I need electricity, and the little profit I’m supposed to make from the business, I spend it on fueling my generator and at the end, I have nothing to show for my struggles.
”I will be very grateful if government can restore electricity to our community. ”
Also, Mrs Linda Onu, a restaurant operator in Kwale, said ” for me to remain in business, I spend nothing less than N5000 to fuel my generator daily to cool my drinks because we don’t have light in this area.
”Government has been promising us that they will restore our lights, we pray that this works.”‘