The Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area, Hon. (Comr.) Warri Ovoke Friday, has intensified efforts to address the persistent electricity challenges affecting residents and businesses by convening a high-level meeting with the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to develop lasting solutions to the worsening power supply situation in the area.
Key Highlights
- Isoko South Council holds strategic meeting with BEDC over poor electricity supply.
- Chairman Warri Ovoke Friday says stable power is critical for economic growth and investment.
- Joint committee established to address electricity challenges in the local government.
- BEDC attributes inadequate power supply to limitations from the national grid.
- Ozoro 132/33kV substation expected to improve power stability across Isoko Nation.
- Council warns communities and traditional rulers to protect power infrastructure from vandalism.
- Improved electricity supply seen as key to supporting development initiatives and local businesses.
Speaking during the meeting, Warri Ovoke described the engagement as a critical step toward finding sustainable solutions to the prolonged power supply challenges confronting communities across Isoko South.
According to him, reliable electricity remains essential for economic development, investment attraction, and improved living standards.
The council chairman noted that Isoko South occupies a strategic position in Delta State as a host to several multinational oil and gas companies, stressing that poor electricity supply continues to hinder economic growth and business expansion.
Council Pledges Support for BEDC
Warri Ovoke observed that electricity supply in the area has remained largely dependent on a single distribution network due to the absence of viable alternative power sources.
He assured the BEDC management of the local government’s readiness to collaborate and provide the necessary support to improve service delivery across the council area.
To ensure swift action and measurable results, the council established a joint committee comprising representatives of BEDC and officials from the local government’s technical department.
The committee will be chaired by the Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Zino Osuofa.
The chairman emphasized that improved electricity supply aligns with the development objectives of the Delta State Government’s Renewed Hope for More Agenda.
“As partners in progress, we must work together to make a tangible impact and improve service delivery, particularly in view of the current inadequate electricity supply affecting our communities,” he said.
BEDC Explains Challenges Facing Power Supply
Speaking at the meeting, BEDC’s Regional Head for the Warri Region, Mr. Curtis Nwadei, attributed the poor power situation largely to limitations in electricity supplied from the national grid.
According to him, the availability of electricity across the country is determined by the volume of power generated and transmitted through the national grid.
He explained that the ongoing Ozoro 132/33kV electricity substation project is designed primarily to stabilize electricity distribution within Isoko Nation rather than increase the overall quantity of power available from the national grid.
Nwadei described the substation as a strategic transmission infrastructure project expected to improve power reliability and distribution efficiency once fully operational.
Vandalism, Poor Payment Culture Worsen Situation
The BEDC official further disclosed that several electricity lines, breakers, conductors, and other critical infrastructure across Isoko South have been damaged by vandals.
He noted that infrastructure vandalism, coupled with poor payment compliance by some consumers, continues to affect the company’s ability to deliver efficient services.
Communities Urged to Protect Power Infrastructure
As part of efforts to safeguard electricity assets, Warri Ovoke called on community leaders, presidents-general, youth leaders, and traditional rulers to take responsibility for protecting power infrastructure within their domains.
The chairman warned that continued vandalism would undermine efforts aimed at improving electricity supply across the area.
He recalled the recent destruction of the high-tension electricity line connecting Igbide and Olomoro communities, which was repaired through the intervention of the local government.
According to him, the repair work was completed shortly before the burial of the late General Paul Omu in Igbide.
Warri noted that it would have been unfortunate for the community to experience a blackout during the funeral of a man widely credited with playing a significant role in facilitating the connection of Isoko Nation to the national grid during his years of public service.
Development and Infrastructure Remain Key Priorities
The council chairman expressed optimism that the newly established committee would provide practical solutions to the electricity challenges facing Isoko South.
He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to working with BEDC, community stakeholders, and relevant agencies to improve power supply, support businesses, and stimulate economic development throughout the local government area.
