The Delta State Government has called on communities across the state to take ownership of public electricity infrastructure by ensuring its protection against vandalism, as efforts to restore power supply to affected Isoko communities commence.
Engr. Michael Anoka, the Commissioner for Energy, made the call on Wednesday during a strategic meeting with representatives of Ozoro, Otor-Owhe, Iyede, Emevor, Ellu Kingdom, and Akiewhe-Owhe communities in Asaba.
The meeting focused on developing a collaborative framework through which the communities would partner with the government to safeguard electricity facilities in their communities, following the approval of the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for the reconnection of the affected communities that had been without power after critical electrical installations were vandalized by criminals, resulting in prolonged outages and hardship for residents.
Speaking during the meeting, Engr. Anoka stressed that the sustainability of the government’s intervention would largely depend on the commitment of host communities to protect the newly deployed electrical equipment from vandalism.
He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, vigilante outfits and other stakeholders to intensify consultations and public sensitization campaigns aimed at fostering collective responsibility for safeguarding electricity infrastructure.
According to the Commissioner, the administration of Governor Oborevwori remains committed to improving the quality of life of Deltans through the provision of reliable electricity and other critical infrastructure, assuring the communities that every necessary step is being taken to ensure the speedy restoration of power supply.
“We are determined to reconnect these communities as quickly as possible, but this effort can only be sustained if everyone works together to protect the facilities.,” Anoka said.
Responding on behalf of the communities, the President-General of Ozoro Kingdom, Chief Barkley Asiafa, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for responding to the plight of Isoko people and the affected communities.
He lamented the devastating impact of repeated vandalism, noting that the destruction of electricity infrastructure had subjected residents and businesses to enormous hardship over the years.
Chief Asiafa disclosed that although some of the perpetrators of previous acts of vandalism had been arrested and prosecuted, the measures he said, were insufficient to permanently deter the crime.
He assured the Commissioner that community leaders had resolved to adopt more effective surveillance and security measures, including stronger collaboration with youths and local security outfits, to prevent future attacks on electricity installations.
Other representatives at the meeting also commended Governor Oborevwori for approving the reconnection project and pledged the full cooperation of their respective communities in protecting government assets.
