Electricity has been restored to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State, ending nearly a decade of power outages in the oil-producing region.
Governor Alex Otti switched on the power supply at a ceremony in Obehie, fulfilling a promise he made to residents earlier this year. The communities had been without electricity for about nine years.
The project was carried out by the Abia State Government through the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, with oversight from the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities.
Speaking at the event, Governor Otti urged residents to protect the new electricity infrastructure and prevent vandalism.
He said communities themselves have the greatest responsibility to safeguard public assets.
“Those who destroy these facilities come from within the community,” he said. “You are the best people to protect what belongs to you.”
Responding to concerns over high electricity bills, the governor directed local leaders and government officials to meet and explore ways to support residents who may struggle to pay.
Details of the project were outlined by the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday. He said the work included the rehabilitation of 30 transformer substations, the installation of 12 new transformers, the restoration of 34 kilometres of high-tension lines and 3.5 kilometres of low-tension lines.
Residents of the affected communities are currently being metered to ensure proper billing, he added.