Odior visits BEDC over worsening power outage in Ozoro, environs, affirms intervention ~ Truth Reporters

 

 

The Majority Whip of the Delta State House of Assembly and Member representing the good people of Isoko North Constituency, Hon. Bernard Odior, Esq., yesterday paid an unscheduled visit to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) branch office in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, to ascertain the root cause of the persistent power outage in Ozoro and its environs, which has plunged the area into worrying darkness.

 

The situation, which has deteriorated from epileptic power supply to a complete blackout, has hindered major socio-economic activities in the area, resulting in yearly economic losses and a grave deprivation of basic utilities that provide comfort for the ordinary citizen.

 

Hon. Odior, who made the visit with a few members of his entourage, met with the BEDC Manager in charge of the Ozoro and Owhelogbo axis at his office along Ughelli Road, Ozoro, to explore possible solutions to the power supply crisis.

 

During his interaction with the branch manager, Hon. Odior expressed deep concern over the worsening electricity supply to Ozoro and its neighboring communities. He explained that the purpose of his visit was to understand the root of the problem and seek practical solutions.

 

According to Hon. Odior, while many developing towns and even rural communities across Delta State enjoy relatively stable electricity supply, Ozoro—the headquarters of Isoko North Local Government Area—and its environs have been left in darkness, neglected and denied access to basic utilities essential for daily living.

 

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the state of electricity in the area, the Majority Whip acknowledged that while electricity remains a national challenge, the condition in Ozoro is particularly alarming. He emphasized the urgency of finding a remedial solution to alleviate the suffering of residents.

 

In his response, Mr. Ephraim Enaroje, the BEDC Manager for the area, commended Hon. Barr. Bernard Odior for the visit, describing him as a true representative of the people.

 

Mr. Enaroje explained that the primary issue lies in the direction of the power line from Ughelli to the Isoko region, as well as the deteriorated condition of the power infrastructure caused by years of neglect by successive governments.

 

He noted that the power line runs from Ughelli to Iyede in Isoko North, and from Iyede it is diverted to Olomoro in Isoko South, continuing to other surrounding towns and villages in Isoko South before reaching Oleh. As a result, Ozoro and its environs are at the tail end of the supply line. Any interruption in these preceding towns and villages leads to automatic power outages in Ozoro.

 

Mr. Enaroje proposed that the only viable solution would be to bypass the current route and connect Ozoro directly to Akiewhe. This would require upgrading the three existing 11KVA transformers in Akiewhe to 32KVA capacity.

 

Hon. Barr. Bernard Odior instructed the manager to document the proposal and submit a comprehensive report within one week for further action and consideration.