ISERC: Uzodimma’s efforts will lightu up Okigwe, others – Ndubueze
The senator representing Imo North at the National Assembly, Engr Chiwuba Patrick Ndubueze, who is also the Imo power improvement task force chairman, has disclosed that many communities, including Okigwe will soon get electricity as a result of the efforts of Governor Hope Uzodimma.
He said the approval Governor Uzodimma got from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), granting the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) regulatory control over the electricity market in Imo state, will provide electricity to Okigwe and other surrounding Local Governments and communities that have been in black out for years.
Effective from July 1, 2024, through the efforts of Governor Uzodimma and Senator Ndubueze, NERC made it possible for ISERC to become the fourth state to gain regulatory authority over its electricity market, joining Enugu, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
But speaking to journalists concerning the efforts of Governor Uzodimma to light up many communities in Imo state, the Senator who is representing Imo North, and also the chairman Imo power improvement task force, said their area especially Okigwe has been in darkness for many years as a result of sabotage of the Managing Director from NERC that was in charge of the area.
“Also, in other parts of the state, there has been no light as it always flashes once a while. The power plant that is located in Okigwe, a 2/30 power plant, was abandoned for 23 years. It was awarded in 2001 and 2002.
“No security was provided and it was vandalised. TCN granted them 1/60 substation which is equivalent to what we are currently building now. But we must have light before expansion.
“The governor has shown that we must have the amenities in Okigwe and other communities. He has promised to provide electricity to every community and that’s a wonderful step towards actualising this vision.
“What the governor has done, we are so happy. I wish every well-meaning Nigerian, Igbos, to throw their cap to the governor. He has started network distribution in the area. The root for the line has been done.
“Since June last year, we have been pursuing these things. If not for what they did we would have gotten light by now. We pray that NERC will caution the MD that sabotaged our efforts in the past,” he said.
Also speaking, a member of the Imo Power Improvement Task Force and a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Chidi Nwogu, commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for the support and for ensuring that such feat is attained.
Nwogu said: We must commend our Governor on his efforts and support in pushing the Imo power improvement task force lead by Senator Patrick Ndubueze and myself as a member in achieving this milestone. We will forever be grateful to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma.”
