By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
There is renewed optimism across communities in the Ndokwa region as the Delta State Government begins concrete steps to restore electricity to long-neglected areas.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the assurance on Sunday during a live appearance on Arise News’ Morning Show, where he outlined Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to rural electrification.
Aniagwu said contrary to public perception, not all parts of Ndokwa are in darkness, explaining that the affected communities include Ogume, Ugiliamai, Umusadege, Utagba-Uno, and Utagba-Ogbe.
According to him, the governor has already approved the extension of a 33kV electricity line from Abraka to these communities, a project designed to restore stable power supply that has been missing for several years.
“The contract has been awarded, and the contractor has already commenced work,” Aniagwu disclosed, adding that the power line will pass through Ogume and Ugiliamai before reaching the other affected communities.
He described the project as more than an infrastructure intervention, stressing that it reflects the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life in rural areas by boosting economic activities, education, healthcare, and productivity.
Aniagwu traced the region’s electricity collapse to years of neglect following the privatization of Nigeria’s power sector. “Many residents defaulted on payments, leading to mass disconnections. When the lines went dead, vandals took advantage, stripping transformers, poles, and cables,” he said.
He added that the state government’s plan involves building a new power corridor, laying fresh transmission lines, clearing the right-of-way, and installing new step-down transformers to ensure safe and efficient power distribution.
The commissioner affirmed that the project forms part of the governor’s broader agenda for rural development and equitable access to basic amenities.
When asked about the completion timeline, Aniagwu said significant progress would be visible within six months. “The contract is not just signed; work has started. You’ll begin to see tangible changes very soon, certainly before the next half of the year,” he assured.
He also welcomed recent federal efforts to deregulate the power sector, noting that Delta State is already taking advantage of its new autonomy to fast-track projects without waiting for federal intervention.
As work continues, communities such as Kwale, Ogume, Ugiliamai, Umusadege, Utagba-Uno, and Utagba-Ogbe are now looking forward to more than just the return of electricity — they are anticipating the revival of economic life and social progress. For many in Ndokwa, the long years of darkness may finally be coming to an end.