By Mokobia Rita
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State has commenced a major electricity restoration and expansion programme aimed at reconnecting communities across Isoko and Ndokwa land to stable power supply, following years of outages caused by vandalism, ageing infrastructure and inadequate investment.
The initiative, driven by the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, will see the rehabilitation, reconstruction and expansion of critical electricity infrastructure across the affected areas, offering renewed hope to thousands of residents, businesses and institutions that have endured prolonged periods of darkness.
The programme follows the issuance of an official Invitation to Tender by the Delta State Ministry of Energy for the execution of strategic power projects designed to strengthen electricity supply and improve socio-economic activities in the affected communities.
According to the tender notice signed by the Secretary of the Ministerial Tenders Board, Mr. T.O. Bayoko, one of the key projects is the construction of a 33KV overhead high-voltage line from Emevor through Otor-Owhe to Isoko Roundabout.
The project also includes the rehabilitation of vandalized sections of the existing 33KV line between Iyede and Ellu in Isoko North Local Government Area.
When completed, the intervention is expected to improve power distribution across the Isoko axis, providing relief to households, artisans, traders and business owners whose economic activities have been hampered by unreliable electricity supply.
For many residents, the project represents not only the restoration of electricity infrastructure but also the revival of economic opportunities, improved social services and renewed confidence in government intervention.
In Ndokwa land, the state government has also approved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the vandalized 33KV power line running from Abbi through Emu-Obodeti to the Kwale 7.5MVA Injection Station in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.
The project is expected to restore stable electricity supply to several communities that have remained without reliable power for years following the destruction of critical transmission infrastructure.
Residents and business operators in the affected communities have long lamented the impact of poor electricity supply on commercial activities, education and healthcare delivery. The planned reconstruction is therefore being viewed as a significant step towards stimulating economic growth and improving living standards.
Beyond Isoko and Ndokwa, Delta State is also strengthening power infrastructure in Asaba. As part of the latest intervention, the Ministry of Energy has announced plans to upgrade the existing 500KVA Independent Power Project (IPP) substation transformer located at the Permanent Secretary’s Quarters to a 1000KVA transformer.
The upgrade is expected to enhance electricity distribution capacity and improve power reliability in the area.
The tender advertisement, issued through the Ministry’s Planning, Research and Statistics Department, invited qualified contractors to participate in the bidding process, underscoring the government’s commitment to transparency and due process.
Industry experts believe the planned interventions will revitalize small and medium-scale enterprises, improve security through enhanced street lighting, increase productivity and create better living conditions for residents.
The projects form part of Governor Oborevwori’s broader infrastructure development agenda and align with the objectives of the Delta State Electricity Power Sector Law, which seeks to expand access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity across the state.
For communities in Isoko and Ndokwa that have spent years battling darkness, the intervention signals the prospect of a brighter future powered by improved electricity supply, renewed economic activity and sustainable development.
