Worried over issues surrounding the abandoned 2X60MVA 132/33kv substation in Oron which has led to incessant Power Outages in Oro communities, the House of Assembly has passed a resolution to invite representatives from the Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to brief the lawmakers on the power situation.
The resolution followed a motion presented during Tuesday's plenary by Chief Effiong Johnson, the Chief Whip of the House and member representing Mbo State Constituency, advocating for the completion and commissioning of the power station.
Chief Johnson, in his motion, explained that TCN had initiated the construction of the 2x60MVA 132/33KV substation in Oron as part of a broader initiative by the former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, aimed at expanding the national grid within TCN's Port Harcourt Region, known as the Nigerian Electricity Grid Maintenance, Expansion, and Rehabilitation Programme (NERGMERP).
He noted that the Oron project was intended to enhance the power grid in the area and ensure a more reliable and stable electricity supply for Oron and its neighboring areas.
Johnson however lamented that the project has been abandoned since after its groundbreaking, noting that the power transformers designated to the project's site have been relocated to an unknown location.
Chief Johnson expressed concern that the project's abandonment has plunged the Oron community into a state of perpetual darkness, hindering economic growth and causing significant hardship for residents who feel neglected and marginalised.
He expressed dismay that the dearth of public power supply has also heightened insecurity in the area and could drive potential investors away.
In her contribution, Hon. Kenim Onofiok, representing the Oron/Udung Uko state constituency, expressed her frustration, stating that her constituents have experienced power supply for only one day since 2013.
Onofiok, who thanked the Chief Whip for drawing the attention of the House to the ugly development, regretted the negative impact of the situation on the affected communities and called for the state governor's intervention.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon.( Elder ) Udeme Otong, who presided over the session,referred the motion to the Committee on Rural Development and Public Utilities, instructing the committee to invite representatives from the Ministry of Power and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to brief the lawmakers on the power situation in Oron.
Meanwhile, the House has adjourned plenary to reconvene on Tuesday, 20th May 2025.
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