By MERCY NEME

Delta Dep. Gov. Monday Onyeme has appealed to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to restore electricity supply to Kwale, Isoko and other communities affected by the lingering blackout.

Onyeme gave the charge on Tuesday during a meeting with the management of BEDC in Asaba.

The BEDC delegation was led by Mr Jonathan Lawani, while the Commissioner for Power and Energy, Mr Michael Anoka, and other government officials attended the meeting.

The deputy governor said the administration of Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori remained committed to balanced development across the state.

He also said that stable electricity supply remains critical to the implementation of the administration’s ‘MORE Agenda’ and overall economic growth.

According to Onyeme, the meeting was convened to address the prolonged blackout in Kwale, Isoko and the neighbouring communities.

“The reason we decided to call this meeting is because we have been having problems with electricity supply,” he said.

He acknowledged that electricity challenges were nationwide but expressed concern over the worsening situation in Ndokwa and Isoko communities.

“Of particular concern are the recent happenings in Delta, especially Kwale and the Isoko area, where people have raised serious alarm over the lack of electricity supply,” Onyeme said.

“They have caused roadblocks in Kwale several times because of their anger over the non-availability of electricity supply,” he said.

He further said that residents were not demanding “uninterrupted power” but equal treatment with other parts of the country.

“If other parts of the country are getting six hours, let us also get six hours. If they are getting two hours, let us get two hours,” Onyeme said.

He appealed to BEDC to provide immediate relief while long-term measures, including the Independent Power Project, were being pursued.

“I want you to understand that we are in pain and need a solution fast,” he said.

Earlier, the leader of the BEDC delegation blamed vandalism and technical challenges for the disruption of electricity supply in the affected areas.

He assured the State Government that BEDC would collaborate with relevant authorities to accelerate the restoration of normal electricity supply to the areas concerned. (NAN)