The Chairman of Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, has opened discussions with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over the prolonged power outages affecting communities in the area.
The engagement followed persistent appeals by residents who lamented months of total blackout in some parts of Eleme and irregular electricity supply in others. Many residents had taken to social media to call on the council to intervene and facilitate the restoration of power.
According to information made available to the public, the council chairman met with officials of PHEDC to address the breakdown of facilities along Line 33, which has disrupted electricity supply to several communities. The meeting is expected to pave the way for repairs and eventual restoration of power.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to the development, describing the engagement as a welcome step but urging the council to ensure concrete results.
A resident, Sunday Dudu, said stable electricity would be a major achievement for the administration, noting that improved power supply would positively impact the socio-economic wellbeing of the people.
Another resident, Obari Onyeoma Awala, stressed the need for broader development, including reliable electricity, good roads, and potable water, calling on leaders to prioritise basic infrastructure.
In a separate intervention, Samuel Onungwe emphasised the need for clarity and timelines regarding ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply in Eleme. He noted that while the involvement of stakeholders such as the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) is encouraging, the current initiative remains at the study stage and does not yet guarantee immediate improvement in power supply.
Onungwe called for transparent communication on short, medium and long-term plans, adding that residents expect practical solutions rather than prolonged assessments. He also urged the council to consider interim measures that could provide temporary relief while long-term infrastructure upgrades are being planned.
Electricity supply has remained a major concern for residents of Eleme, with many businesses and households incurring high costs to power generators amid unreliable public supply.
Observers say the outcome of the engagement between the council and PHEDC will be closely watched, as residents hope for a sustainable solution to the persistent electricity challenges in the area.
