The Federal Government has inaugurated the N8 billion substation in Ondo State to end 15 years of blackout for people in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
The completed substation, which comprised a 132kV feeder line and 132/33kV transformers, had for over five years been under construction by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) following the inability of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to rectify the problem.
Communities in four councils of the district (Okitipupa, Ilaje, Irele, and Ese-Odo) have been without electricity for between 11 and 16 years over alleged indebtedness to BEDC.
The commissioner, representing Ondo State on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Otito Atikase, who spoke on the development, expressed optimism that with the completion of the substation, the socio-economic activities in the region would no doubt be revamped.
Atikase, in a statement by his Special Assistant, Rotimi Oyeneyin, said that the Erinje electricity project had been fully completed. He said: “This landmark achievement will be inaugurated on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, by the Minister of the Niger Delta Ministry, Abubakar Momoh.
“This magnificent project, which cost a substantial N8.1 billion, includes several key components: A 45-kilometre 132-kV feeder line from the Omotosho Power Plant to Erinje.
“There are two 60 MVA 132/33 kV transformers at the Erinje substation.
“There will be a rehabilitation of 33km of 33/11 kV transmission lines from Okitipupa to Igbokoda, Ugbonla, and other Ilaje neighbouring communities as well as the construction of a one km rigid pavement with drainage.
“The Erinje power substation is specifically designed to serve five local councils in the oil-producing belt of the state. This region has been grappling with total darkness for the past 15 years, making this project a significant milestone in restoring electricity and hope to the communities.”
