The Isoko People’s Measures has called on the Delta State Government to prioritize the completion of the long-abandoned Ozoro 132/33KV transmission line and substation project, describing it as the most viable solution to the persistent electricity challenges confronting Isoko Nation.
The spokesperson of the group, Chief Jerry Othuke made the appeal on Thursday during a peaceful protest by members of the group at Government House, Asaba, where they sought urgent government intervention over the worsening power situation across communities in the area.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Othuke lamented the prolonged inadequate electricity supply in Isoko communities and stressed that the completion of the Ozoro transmission substation would significantly transform the socio-economic fortunes of the people.
According to him, the strategic power facility, located in Ozoro, possesses the capacity to supply electricity to the entire Isoko Nation upon completion, thereby addressing years of unstable power supply and stimulating economic growth in the area.
He appealed to Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to facilitate the completion of the project, expressing confidence in the governor’s commitment to infrastructural development and the welfare of Deltans.
“The Ozoro 132/33KV transmission line and substation remain the most critical power infrastructure needed to permanently resolve electricity challenges in Isoko Nation. Once completed, it will have the capacity to provide stable electricity across the entire Isoko area,” Othuke stated.
While commending the Oborevwori administration for ongoing developmental projects across Delta State, he noted that the governor has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the living conditions of citizens through impactful projects.
Chief Othuke expressed optimism that the state government would take the necessary steps to revive and complete the abandoned project, describing it as a transformational investment that would benefit both present and future generations of Isoko people.
He further appealed for accelerated action on the project, insisting that reliable electricity remains indispensable to industrial growth, business development, healthcare delivery and overall economic prosperity in the region.
The protest ended peacefully after state government officials assured the delegation that efforts were already underway to improve electricity supply in Isoko Nation and address concerns surrounding the abandoned substation project.
Addressing the protesters, the State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, told the people that the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori had already taken steps to address the power challenges confronting the area.
He said; “the governor is fully aware of the hardship caused by inadequate electricity supply and has directed immediate action to restore power to affected communities.
“I want to assure you that even before this meeting, the governor had listened to your concerns. He understands the importance of electricity to the people and is committed to finding lasting solutions”.
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The Commissioner disclosed that intervention works had already commenced on the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) line serving the area, adding that contractors would begin rehabilitation of the power line linking Emevor and Ozoro next week.
“Before next week, efforts will be made to rehabilitate the line between Emevor and Ozoro to ensure that Isoko Nation enjoys at least eight hours of electricity supply daily,” he stated.
Engr. Anoka, also, addressed concerns over the long-abandoned Ozoro 132KV power sub-station project, describing it as a strategic infrastructure capable of providing a permanent solution to the area’s electricity challenges.
The project, according to him, was abandoned many years ago, adding that it did not originate under the current administration, disclosing that the Ozoro 132KV sub-station project has been abandoned since around 2011.
