ASABA/Nigeria: There is renewed optimism across communities in the Ndokwa region as the Delta State Government begins concrete steps to restore electricity to long-neglected areas, signaling the end of years of power outage and economic stagnation.
The assurance came from the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, during a live interview on Arise News’ Morning Show on Sunday.
Aniagwu, speaking with confidence, dispelled the widespread belief that the entire Ndokwa region is in blackout, clarifying that the power challenge is localized in communities such as Ogume, Ugiliamai, Umusadege, Utagba-Uno, and Utagba-Ogbe.
According to him, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the extension of a 33kV power line from Abraka to the affected communities — a major project aimed at bringing stable electricity back to the area after several years of neglect. He confirmed that the contract for the project has already been awarded and that work has commenced on site.
“The line will pass through Ogume and Ugiliamai, and extend to the affected communities,” Aniagwu explained. “It’s not just about restoring power; it’s about restoring life, productivity, and hope to our people.”
He described the initiative as a deliberate intervention by Governor Oborevwori to bridge the infrastructure gap in rural areas and stimulate growth through improved access to power for businesses, schools, and health facilities.
Aniagwu also traced the origin of the prolonged blackout to the aftermath of the power sector privatization, which led to mass disconnections after residents defaulted on payments. This, he said, created an opportunity for vandals to strip installations, transformers, and cables since the lines were no longer active.
“Though the old poles still stand, what remained was only the shell of what used to be a functional power network,” he lamented. “That’s why we’re not just repairing; we’re rebuilding. We are creating a new power corridor that includes clearing the right-of-way, laying new lines, and installing step-down transformers for effective distribution.”
The Commissioner assured that the initiative aligns with the governor’s MORE Agenda — a policy framework emphasizing Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security across the state.
Responding to questions about timelines, Aniagwu said the project has already kicked off and residents would begin to see visible results within six months. “The contract is not just on paper; work has started,” he declared. “Our people will begin to see light again before the next half of the year.”
He further acknowledged recent federal reforms allowing states more control over electricity generation and distribution, noting that Delta State has wasted no time in taking advantage of this new autonomy.
Governor Oborevwori’s proactive approach, Aniagwu added, reflects a deep understanding that power supply is the engine of economic development and social progress.
As work advances, the communities of Kwale, Ogume, Ugiliamai, Umusadege, Utagba-Uno, and Utagba-Ogbe are now looking forward to not just the return of electricity, but the revival of local enterprise, education, and communal life.
