Residents of Isoko nation have been assured of imminent improvement in electricity supply, following ongoing interventions by the Delta State Government aimed at rehabilitating critical power infrastructure in the area.
The State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing members of Isoko People’s Measures who were in Government House, Asaba, for a peaceful protest over the worsening electricity situation in the area.
Engr. Anoka told the people that the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori had already taken steps to address the power challenges confronting the area.
He said; “the governor is fully aware of the hardship caused by inadequate electricity supply and has directed immediate action to restore power to affected communities.
“I want to assure you that even before this meeting, the governor had listened to your concerns. He understands the importance of electricity to the people and is committed to finding lasting solutions”.
The Commissioner disclosed that intervention works had already commenced on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) line serving the area, adding that contractors would begin rehabilitation of the power line linking Emevor and Ozoro next week.
“Before next week, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the line between Emevor and Ozoro to ensure that Isoko Nation enjoys at least eight hours of electricity supply daily,” he stated.
Engr. Anoka, also, addressed concerns over the long-abandoned Ozoro 132KV power sub-station project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure capable of providing a permanent solution to the area’s electricity challenges.
The project, according to him, was abandoned many years ago, adding that it did not originate under the current administration, disclosing that the Ozoro 132KV sub-station project has been abandoned since around 2011.
“However, just last week, I submitted a comprehensive report on the project to His Excellency, and he is currently studying it as part of plans to provide a lasting solution to power supply in Isoko nation,” he explained.
While acknowledging that completing the project would require substantial financial investment and may take more than a year, the Commissioner said Governor Oborevwori had demonstrated the political will to see it through.
He revealed that the governor had already approved the intervention project, with only administrative processes remaining before full implementation.
While appealing for patience and support from residents in the area, the commissioner expressed confidence that visible progress would soon be recorded.
Earlier, Chief Jerry Othuke who spoke on behalf of members of Isoko People’s Measures appealed to the state government to complete the Ozoro 132/33KV line and transmission sub-station located in Ozoro, adding that when completed, the sub-station has the capacity to supply electricity to the entire Isoko nation.
He lauded the Oborevwori’s administration for its developmental strides across the state, even as he expressed optimism that the Governor will deliver the transformational project for the benefit of present and future generations of the Isoko nation.