By Doris Onyekachi
The Oduga Community in Uzoakwa, Ihiala Local Government Area(LGA) of Anambra State, has commended FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited for repairing its vandalised 500kVA transformer and restoring electricity supply at no cost to residents.
The commendation was conveyed on Oct. 12, when a delegation led by the Chairman of the Oduga Community Transformer Committee, Chief Maxie Onyekwere, presented a letter of appreciation to FirstPower’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Okechukwu Okafor, at the company’s headquarters in Awka.
The transformer was vandalised by suspected hoodlums, three of whom were reportedly apprehended with the assistance of community members and handed over to the police.
Following an appeal by the community, FirstPower repaired the damaged components and restored the electricity supply, a gesture residents described as a significant intervention in addressing their power challenges.
Receiving the delegation, Engr. Okafor praised the community for its cooperation and vigilance, emphasising the need for residents to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism.
He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving service delivery, urging residents to report suspicious activities that could threaten electricity installations.
The community acknowledged the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and streetlights around the transformer to strengthen security and prevent further vandalism. It, however, appealed for improved electricity supply to Ihiala and neighbouring communities.
In response, Okafor expressed optimism that ongoing work on the transmission line would improve power supply in the area, saying the target was to provide at least 12 hours of electricity daily by December 2026, subject to the completion of the ongoing work.
The engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between electricity distribution companies and host communities in safeguarding public infrastructure, preventing vandalism and improving access to electricity.
Doris Onyekachi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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