By Christy Aboghe
The member representing Oshimili North Constituency in the Delta State House Of Assembly, Hon.Frank Esenwah, has commended the members of Ozoma Hilltop Landlords Association, Ogbeozoma quarters Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area, for their effort in ensuring adequate electrification of the area , through the provision of electricity transformer.
Esenwah made the commendation during the commissioning of a 500KVA 33 transformer, provided by Ozoma Hilltop Landlords Association and the electrification project in Ogbeozoma quarters, Okpanam.
He said that when the Electricity Reform Bill presently before the State House Of Assembly, is passed into law, it will lead to massive improvement in electricity generation, transmission and distribution across the state. Adding it will open up the electricity sector to new players and foster competition and innovation.
Speaking on the commissioning of the electricity transformer and other distribution accessories, he said it was not just an infrastructure milestone but also a symbol of what they can accomplish when they come together with a shared vision and unwavering determination.
“This transformer will not only provide reliable electricity but also empower businesses, enhance the quality of life for families, and create opportunities for growth and development. It is a foundation upon which we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for generations to come”.
“The days of monopoly by BEDC will soon become history! This new law will create a more dynamic and efficient electricity market, ensuring better services and power that is more reliable for all. It is a bold step forward, and it aligns perfectly with the spirit of progress and self-reliance that you have demonstrated today”, he said.
“I commend the unity, resilience, and collective effort, as your personal and collective efforts stand as a beacon of hope and progress, and a reminder that even in difficult times, we have the power to shape our future and improve the lives of everyone in our locality”.
On his part, the Chairman of Ozoma Hill-Top Estate, Alegu Emmanuel, called for a second electricity transformer since the population of the community was increasing.
Alegu said that the provision of the transformer will enable them enjoy the light fully, as more persons were moving in on a daily bases and connecting to the existing 500/33kva, which according to him, was overloading the transformer
While decrying the criminal activities in the community, the Chairman said since the settlement of the Hausa people in Ozoma Hill-Top community, landlords and tenants of the estate can no longer sleep with their eyes closed, as a result of regular robbery and kidnapping activities,
He said the Hausa settlement has become a safe haven for criminals to converge and strategies for the execution of their plans, collection point for arms and ammunitions, and baby production factory, where young girls are kept for prostitution, while payment are made to their madam and children sold to interested buyers, adding that serious drug peddling activities boom at the makeshift market.
He called on the state government to come to their aid and save them from the hands of the marauders.
He appealed for the intervention of the state government, as many roads and streets within the estate were no longer passable, he said that the main Ogbe-ozoma to Isselle-Azagba road and many others have been completely cut off due to serious gully erosion making it inaccessible for most residence when it rains.
He said, “nobody moves out because of the fear of being carried away by flood, lots of lives are at risk and properties have been lost”.
He noted that the combined efforts of the landlords in collaboration with the CEO of Bethel Court Estate, had made the roads passable this dry season.
Alegu said the association spent huge amount of money every dry season to ensure that the roads were passable as the gully erosion makes it worse for them when it rains.
They pleaded with the State government to facilitate the establishment of Government Primary and Secondary Schools in Ozoma Hill-Top, electoral/political ward, construction of Nwanikpa Isselle-Azagba road, as well as construction of link road from Ozoma Hill-Top to Benin Asaba expressway.
