By Abasi Ita
The Abia State Government has restored electricity supply to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area following the completion of the Ukwa West Power Restoration Project executed by the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities.
The intervention followed a directive issued by Governor Alex Otti during the flag off of the reconstruction of the 11.1 kilometre Obehie Umudobia Owaza Road in March 2025. Acting on the directive the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities carried out a comprehensive assessment of electricity infrastructure in the area and discovered that 33 distribution transformer substations had suffered extensive vandalism.
Items vandalised or stolen included transformers armoured cables feeder pillars earthing copper cables D fuses lightning arresters and other critical accessories. To address the situation the ministry working with ASOPADEC embarked on extensive rehabilitation works across Ukwa West.
The project covered the rehabilitation and reconstruction of distribution substations as well as high tension and low tension power lines. Arrangements have also been concluded with Abia Power Limited Electricity for the provision of meters to ensure effective and transparent billing.
Key outcomes of the project include the rehabilitation and construction of 33 distribution transformer substations the restoration of 12 vandalised sections of high tension overhead lines covering 34 kilometres and the rehabilitation of low tension lines across 11 communities at the Obehie axis.
Communities benefiting from the restored electricity supply include Umuiku Ozaa Umuahala Okohia Umuaka Umuelechi Imo River I Mkpuwe Umuokwor Umuajuohia Umudiuru and Umudieme among others.
The Ukwa West Power Restoration Project reflects the Otti administration’s commitment to infrastructure renewal inclusive development and improved quality of life for oil producing and host communities in Abia State.
Meanwhile the Abia State Government has commenced free electric bus services under its mass transit scheme with 20 buses available and four currently deployed for operations in Umuahia and Aba.
In Umuahia the buses are operating on the Isi Gate to Ubakala and Okpara Square to Express Tower routes. In Aba the routes include Osisioma to Park and Park to Ala Oji through Port Harcourt Road. The electric buses are also providing free inter city services with two daily trips between Umuahia and Aba.
Each bus is operated by a pilot and a co pilot and commuters are conveyed on a first come first served basis. Passengers have been advised to comply with operational guidelines to ensure safety and smooth service delivery.
The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu described the initiative as a learning phase and appealed to residents for patience and cooperation as the state consolidates the new public transportation system.