Abia Restores Power in Ukwa West, Rolls Out Free Electric Bus Services
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Abia State Government has restored electricity supply to 33 communities in Ukwa West Local Government Area, marking a major milestone in its infrastructure renewal drive under the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The power restoration followed a directive issued by the governor during the flag off of the reconstruction of the 11.1 kilometre Obehie Umudobia Owaza Road in March 2025. Subsequent assessments by the Ministry of Power and Public Utilities revealed extensive vandalism across 33 distribution transformer substations in the area.
Equipment damaged or stolen included transformers armoured cables feeder pillars earthing copper cables D fuses lightning arresters and other vital components. In response the ministry in partnership with the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission embarked on a comprehensive rehabilitation of the affected facilities.
The intervention involved the rehabilitation and reconstruction of distribution substations as well as high tension and low tension power lines. Arrangements have also been concluded with Abia Power Limited Electricity to provide meters to ensure efficient and transparent billing for consumers.
As part of the project 33 distribution transformer substations were rehabilitated and constructed while 12 vandalised sections of high tension overhead lines spanning 34 kilometres were restored. Low tension lines were also rehabilitated across 11 communities at the Obehie axis.
Communities now enjoying restored electricity supply include Umuiku Ozaa Umuahala Okohia Umuaka Umuelechi Imo River I Mkpuwe Umuokwor Umuajuohia Umudiuru and Umudieme among others.
The Ukwa West Power Restoration Project highlights the Otti administration’s commitment to inclusive development infrastructure renewal and improved living standards for oil producing and host communities in Abia State.
In a related development the state government has commenced free electric bus services under its mass transit scheme as part of efforts to improve urban mobility and reduce transportation costs.
Four electric buses are currently deployed for free intra city services in Umuahia and Aba out of the 20 buses available under the scheme. In Umuahia the buses operate on the Isi Gate to Ubakala and Okpara Square to Express Tower routes while in Aba they ply Osisioma to Park and Park to Ala Oji through Port Harcourt Road.
The electric buses are also providing free inter city services with two daily trips between Umuahia and Aba. Each bus is operated by a pilot and a co pilot with commuters conveyed on a first come first served basis.
The Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu said the initiative is a pilot phase and appealed to residents to cooperate with government as it consolidates the new public transportation system aimed at enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
