Abia State Governor Alex Otti has inaugurated a power restoration project, bringing electricity to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area after a nine-year blackout. The initiative, executed by the Abia State government through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, aims to address the long-standing neglect of oil-rich communities in the region.
At the switch-on ceremony in Obehie, Governor Otti emphasized the importance of protecting the newly installed electric facilities from vandalism and theft. He urged community members to take responsibility for safeguarding the infrastructure, stating that the community itself is best placed to prevent theft and damage. The governor noted that the individuals responsible for such acts are often from within the community.
In response to requests for subsidized electricity bills, Governor Otti instructed stakeholders to convene and explore possible solutions. The Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday, outlined the scope of the power project, which includes the rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, restoration of 34 kilometers of high-tension lines, and 3.5 kilometers of low-tension lines.
The commissioner highlighted that the benefiting communities are currently being metered to ensure accurate billing, underscoring the significance of electricity as a key component of Abia’s development agenda. The successful completion of this project marks a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to address the power deficit and improve living conditions for its citizens.
The restoration of electricity to these communities is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and quality of life. As the state continues to work towards providing reliable power supply, the protection of these facilities will be crucial to sustaining the benefits of this initiative. With the communities now being metered, the next steps will involve ensuring that the electricity supply is maintained and that the benefits are equitably distributed among the residents.
