ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has assured residents of Isoko Nation of imminent improvement in electricity supply, announcing immediate intervention measures to rehabilitate critical power infrastructure as part of broader efforts to strengthen energy access and drive socio-economic development across the state.
The assurance was given on Thursday by the State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, when he received members of Isoko People’s Measures at Government House, Asaba, during a peaceful protest over the prolonged electricity challenges affecting communities in the area.
Addressing the protesters, the commissioner said government had already activated short-term and long-term measures to address the persistent power crisis, noting that the concerns raised by residents had received prompt attention.
According to him, rehabilitation works have commenced on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) network serving the area, while contractors are expected to begin work next week on the transmission line between Emevor and Ozoro, a key infrastructure expected to significantly improve electricity supply across Isoko communities.
He explained that the intervention is designed to restore a minimum of eight hours of daily electricity supply to the area pending the completion of more comprehensive infrastructure projects.
“Our immediate priority is to stabilise power supply for the people. Before next week, rehabilitation of the Emevor–Ozoro line will commence, and once completed, residents should begin to experience noticeable improvements in electricity supply,” Anoka stated.
The commissioner also addressed concerns over the long-abandoned Ozoro 132/33KV transmission line and substation project, describing it as a strategic asset capable of providing a sustainable solution to electricity challenges in Isoko Nation.
He disclosed that the project, which has remained abandoned since about 2011, is receiving fresh government attention following a comprehensive technical assessment recently submitted for consideration.
According to him, while the completion of the project would require substantial financial investment and could take more than a year, the state government has already approved the intervention, with the remaining administrative processes being finalised ahead of implementation.
He stressed that beyond addressing immediate electricity shortages, government remains committed to developing critical infrastructure capable of supporting industrial growth, expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life of residents across the state.
The commissioner appealed to residents to remain patient and continue supporting government efforts, expressing confidence that ongoing interventions would soon begin to yield visible results.
Earlier, leader of Isoko People’s Measures, Chief Jerry Othuke, appealed to the state government to prioritise the completion of the Ozoro 132/33KV transmission line and substation, describing the project as the most viable long-term solution to the electricity challenges facing Isoko Nation.
He noted that once completed, the facility would have the capacity to provide stable electricity to communities across the entire Isoko Nation, thereby boosting commercial activities, encouraging industrial development and improving living standards.
While commending the Delta State Government for ongoing development initiatives across the state, Othuke expressed optimism that the renewed commitment to the power project would culminate in its completion, describing reliable electricity as essential to the economic transformation of Isoko communities.
The engagement between government officials and the protesters underscored the importance of constructive dialogue and citizen participation in governance, withboth parties expressing a shared commitment to achieving lasting solutions to the region’s electricity challenges.
