Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has officially ended a nine-year blackout in Ukwa West Local Government Area by restoring electricity to 33 communities, fulfilling a long-awaited promise to residents who have endured nearly a decade without reliable power supply.
Community Response and Celebration
The Power Restoration Project, a major infrastructure initiative, was executed by the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (ASOPADEC) under the supervision of the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities. Governor Otti’s administration highlighted that this project was part of a broader plan to improve living standards and catalyze economic growth in the state’s rural communities.
During the official switch-on ceremony held at Central Primary School in Obehie, the governor, accompanied by his cabinet members aboard the newly launched Abia Green Shuttle EV bus, addressed residents, urging them to protect and maintain the newly installed electricity infrastructure. He emphasized the collective responsibility of the community in safeguarding public utilities, stating, “I believe that we have a responsibility to protect what is in our community. Nobody can do it better than you. And those thieves do not come from heaven. They are all part and parcel of the community.”[/p>
Technical Details and Infrastructure Upgrades
Governor Otti also addressed concerns regarding the affordability of electricity bills, directing stakeholders to explore solutions to ensure that vulnerable residents could comfortably manage their payments without being excluded from the benefits of the restored power supply.
The Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, provided further insight into the project, detailing the extensive technical upgrades carried out. The initiative involved the rehabilitation of 30 transformer distribution substations, installation of 12 new transformers, and the restoration of 37.5 kilometres of high- and low-tension electricity lines, ensuring that the communities would receive consistent and reliable power. These measures were aimed at minimizing outages and enhancing the efficiency of electricity delivery to the newly connected areas.
Independent Power Supply and Sustainability
Prof. Bartholomew Nnaji, CEO of Aba Power Limited, assured residents that electricity supply would now be generated independently outside the national grid, promising more stable and uninterrupted power. He highlighted that the integration of local power generation would significantly reduce dependency on the national grid and provide the state with greater control over electricity distribution and sustainability.
The switch-on event drew widespread attention and was attended by the Chief of Staff, several state commissioners, and former government officials, marking a significant milestone in Abia State’s development agenda. The governor reiterated that the restoration of power to these communities is part of a larger vision to transform the state’s infrastructure, improve living conditions, and foster economic growth in previously underserved areas.
Looking Ahead
Governor Otti concluded by calling on all stakeholders, residents, and government agencies to continue collaborating to maintain the restored electricity infrastructure. He emphasized that the project is a model for how public-private partnerships and community involvement can yield tangible results for local development, underscoring the administration’s commitment to sustained improvements in public utilities across Abia State.