Eleme Local Government has unveiled a comprehensive three-point strategy to tackle the persistent electricity crisis in the area, with work set to begin this week on the repair and replacement of damaged power infrastructure that has left several communities in prolonged darkness.
The Executive Chairman of the Council, Chief Obarilomate Ollor, announced the plan following an Executive Council meeting where electricity supply was given top priority as part of the administration’s efforts to improve residents’ welfare and stimulate economic development.
The strategy, which consists of short, medium and long-term interventions, is expected to address the total blackout affecting communities including Ogale, Agbonchia and Ebubu, while also confronting the problems of epileptic electricity supply and estimated billing by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED).
Chief Ollor explained that the blackout resulted from the collapse of electricity poles and other critical infrastructure caused by natural disasters. He added that the delayed response by PHED created an opportunity for vandals to destroy more facilities, increasing the number of damaged poles to 33.
He disclosed that the council had commenced an independent assessment of the damaged infrastructure and that replacement of the affected poles and facilities would begin this week to restore electricity to the affected communities.
The chairman said the council’s immediate and medium-term interventions would include repairing and replacing damaged facilities, installing boundary meters on the 11KVA and 33KVA feeders to accurately measure electricity supplied to Eleme, and strengthening the council’s electricity subsidy programme to reduce the burden of energy costs on residents.
He also urged electricity consumers to pay their bills promptly to ensure the sustainability of improved power supply.
As part of efforts to fast-track the rehabilitation of power infrastructure, Chief Ollor disclosed that the council had opened discussions with the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), Onne, which has expressed willingness to partner with the local government on electricity infrastructure development within the appropriate regulatory framework.
On the long-term agenda, the council plans to champion mass metering of households and businesses through prepaid meters to eliminate estimated billing and improve accountability. It also intends to leverage corporate social responsibility initiatives by multinational companies, Federal Government intervention programmes, trust funds and community development partnerships to expand electricity infrastructure across the local government.
Other long-term measures include upgrading the existing distribution network from 11KVA to 33KVA capacity, reconciling and settling outstanding liabilities, engaging relevant stakeholders to secure increased power allocation to Eleme and exploring the possibility of purchasing electricity directly where permitted.
Chief Ollor called on traditional institutions, multinational companies, community organisations, interest groups and residents to support the administration’s drive towards achieving reliable and sustainable electricity supply in Eleme.
The chairman also criticised PHED’s billing practices, noting that although Eleme is classified as an urban area, many residents are billed under the premium Band A category without receiving the minimum hours of electricity supply required under the tariff.
He warned that if PHED failed to regularise the situation and provide services commensurate with the applicable tariff, the council would petition the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to protect the interests of electricity consumers in the area.
Chief Ollor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing practical and sustainable measures that would restore stable electricity supply, improve living standards and create an enabling environment for investment and economic growth across Eleme Local Government Area.
