By Stella Oputah
KWALE/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has appealed to community leaders and residents to take ownership of electricity infrastructure provided across various communities by protecting them from vandalism and sabotage capable of disrupting power supply.
The call was made by the State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, during a meeting with President Generals from communities in Ndokwa West Local Government Area held at the ministry’s office.
Anoka expressed serious concern over the persistent destruction and vandalism of electricity facilities recently rehabilitated by the state government in several communities, warning that the trend poses a major threat to ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply across Delta State.
The affected projects, according to the commissioner, include electricity rehabilitation works in Ike-Onitsha, Ibabu, Amoji, Onitsha-Ukwuani, Ugili-Amai, Utagba-Unor, as well as the transmission line corridor stretching from Utue-Ogume to Kwale.
He noted that the state government had committed enormous financial resources toward restoring and expanding electricity infrastructure in the affected communities to improve economic activities and enhance the living conditions of residents.
“The government is spending huge resources to ensure that Deltans enjoy stable electricity supply,” Anoka said, stressing that acts of vandalism not only undermine government investments but also prolong hardship for communities benefiting from the projects.
The commissioner urged community leaders, youths and local vigilante groups to work collectively in safeguarding public infrastructure within their domains.
He warned individuals involved in vandalising electricity facilities to desist immediately or face the full weight of the law.
Anoka also called on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to ensure the prompt energisation of completed electricity projects to enable residents begin to enjoy the benefits of government interventions without unnecessary delay.
He reiterated that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori maintains zero tolerance for vandalism and would continue to deal decisively with offenders sabotaging critical public infrastructure.
Responding on behalf of the communities, President General of Abbi Kingdom, Chief Unue Benjamin, assured the state government of the readiness of community leaders to collaborate with relevant authorities in protecting electricity installations.
Benjamin pledged that communities in the area would establish collective security arrangements aimed at safeguarding government facilities from vandals and other criminal elements.
Also present at the meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Sir Byron Unini; Director of Electricity Power Supply, Mr. Stanley Efenudu; as well as community leaders from Ogume Kingdom, Onitsha-Ukwuani, Utagba-Unor, Emu Kingdom and Utagba-Ogbe.
