Delta directs BEDC to restore power in Kwale, Isoko, other communities

The Delta State Government has directed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to restore public electricity supply to Kwale, Ndokwa nation, Isoko, and other communities in the state.

The directive followed a series of protests across the state by residents who decried BEDC’s outright disconnection of the affected communities from the national grid over pending issues.

Addressing the management team of the electricity distribution company, led by Engr. Jonathan Lawani, at his office in Asaba on Tuesday, the state deputy governor, Sir (Dr) Monday Onyeme, expressed the commitment of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration to the even development of all parts of Delta State, stressing that electricity supply plays a pivotal role in the delivery of the MORE Agenda.

Onyeme disclosed that the meeting was convened to deliberate on critical challenges affecting power supply in Kwale and to chart a definitive path towards a sustainable resolution.

He said, “The reason we decided to call this meeting is because we have been having problems in terms of constant electricity supply.

“We all know electricity is a big problem in Nigeria generally; it is not peculiar to one location, or one state, or even one geopolitical zone.

“We have not been able to get to where we wish to be, where every Nigerian should be, because of the lack of an adequate supply of electricity.

“Of particular concern are recent happenings that are taking place in Delta State or parts of Delta State, especially Kwale, which is in the Ndokwa ethnic nationality; the people of Isoko have also raised an alarm about the lack of electricity, and I am sure that this is not news to your company that there have been a lot of agitations in recent times by both the Isoko people and Ndokwa people for there to be electricity in their areas.

“My people, the Ndokwa people, have demonstrated severally within our state and at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, over the continuous lack of electricity in the Ndokwa Nation.

“They have caused roadblocks in Kwale several times; they have prevented government and individuals from carrying out their legitimate day-to-day activities because of their anger over the non-availability of electricity supply, yet we have not been able to achieve much.

“I am not saying that you should give us 24-hour electricity, because in the whole of Nigeria, even in Abuja, there is no 24-hour light, but let there be light.

“If other parts of the country are getting six hours of electricity supply, let us also get six hours; if they are getting eight hours, let us get eight hours; if they are getting two hours, let us get two hours. As it is in other places, that is the way it should be here; then we can begin to fine-tune and look for better options.

“Whatever it takes, let us have electricity in Kwale while we are looking for something more permanent; let us give them something that many other small communities and ethnic nationalities have, and then we can look for what is better.

“We know that the Independent Power Project (IPP) is the long-term target of my people, but before we achieve that, let us at least have what can be an immediate remedy or solution.

“I want you to understand that we are in pain and we need a solution fast. Thank you and God bless,” the deputy governor said.

Engr. Michael Anoka, the Commissioner for Power and Energy, was in attendance at the meeting, where Engr. Lawani earlier briefed the deputy governor on technical constraints, including vandalism that has affected the supply of electricity in Kwale, Isoko, and other communities.

Engr. Lawani promised to work with the Delta State government to fast-track the restoration of power to the affected communities.