Abia State Governor Alex Otti inaugurated a power‑restoration project that brings electricity back to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area after a nine‑year blackout. Executed by the Abia State government through the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, the initiative seeks to address the long‑standing neglect of oil‑rich communities in the region.
At the switch‑on ceremony in Obehie, Governor Otti stressed the need to protect the newly installed electric facilities from vandalism and theft. He urged community members to take responsibility for safeguarding the infrastructure, noting that the community itself is best placed to prevent such damage and that perpetrators are often from within the community. In response to requests for subsidised electricity bills, the governor instructed stakeholders to convene and explore possible solutions.
Abia State Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities Ikechukwu Monday outlined the scope of the project: rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, restoration of 34 km of high‑tension lines and 3.5 km of low‑tension lines. He also highlighted that the benefiting communities are now being metered to ensure accurate billing, underscoring electricity’s role 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. Restoring electricity to these communities is expected to boost the local economy and quality of life. As the state continues to work toward a reliable power supply, protecting the facilities will be crucial to sustaining the initiative’s benefits. With metering now in place, the next steps involve maintaining the supply and ensuring that the advantages are equitably distributed among residents.
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