The concerted efforts of Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, are set to restore electricity supply to communities in Okigwe and beyond, according to assurances from Senator Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze, who represents Imo North in the National Assembly.
Senator Ndubueze, who also serves as the Chairman of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force, highlighted the significance of the recent approval granted to Governor Uzodimma by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This approval allows the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) to have regulatory control over the state’s electricity market, marking a pivotal step toward improving power supply in long-neglected areas.
Effective July 1, 2024, ISERC will join Enugu, Ondo, and Ekiti as the fourth state electricity regulatory body, thanks to NERC’s endorsement. This regulatory shift is expected to significantly enhance electricity provision in Okigwe and its surrounding local governments, which have endured prolonged periods of darkness.
Senator Ndubueze explained that these communities have been without power for fifteen years due to alleged sabotage by a former NERC Managing Director responsible for the area. He expressed optimism that the new regulatory framework and Governor Uzodimma’s efforts would soon rectify this long-standing issue.
“With the Governor’s efforts, we’ve secured a Mobile Substation of 1/60. This will provide us with 48 Megawatts for distribution. We hope these improvements won’t face further sabotage,” Ndubueze stated.
He acknowledged the severe power outages affecting other parts of the state, noting that residents only experienced occasional “flashes” of electricity. He praised Governor Uzodimma’s initiatives, expressing happiness and urging every well-meaning Nigerian, especially the Igbos, to appreciate the governor’s contributions. He highlighted the progress in network distribution, emphasizing that the groundwork for the power lines has been completed.
“Since June last year, we have been pursuing these initiatives. If not for previous obstructions, we would have had electricity by now. We hope NERC will caution the Managing Director who sabotaged our efforts in the past,” he added.
Ndubueze further alleged that the unnamed Managing Director was responsible for promoting insecurity and underdevelopment by obstructing electricity provision. He questioned why such individuals were allowed to remain in office, given their detrimental impact on the region.
Supporting these sentiments, Hon. Chidi Nwogu, a member of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force and former member of the House of Representatives, commended Governor Uzodimma for his unwavering support and the significant milestone achieved.
“We must commend our Governor for his efforts and support in pushing the Imo Power Improvement Task Force, led by Senator Patrick Ndubueze and myself as a member, in achieving this milestone,” Nwogu stated.
