By Mark Chukwu, Umuahia
The Abia State Government has raised concern over the persistent vandalism of electricity infrastructure across the state, warning that the destruction and theft of power equipment are undermining efforts to improve electricity supply to communities.
The government also disclosed fresh interventions aimed at restoring electricity to underserved communities, expanding renewable energy access at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), and improving water infrastructure across the state’s three senatorial zones.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the decisions of the Abia State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
According to the Commissioner, vandalism of electricity infrastructure not only interrupts power supply but also creates additional financial obligations for government, which must spend more resources replacing damaged or stolen equipment.
Prince Kanu therefore appealed to traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions and security agencies to work together and develop effective community-based strategies to prevent further attacks on electricity infrastructure.
He also urged communities to take responsibility for protecting government projects located within their areas, particularly power facilities, stressing that safeguarding public infrastructure is essential to ensuring that residents benefit from such investments.
On electricity restoration, the Commissioner said the state government was intensifying efforts to reconnect several communities that had experienced prolonged power challenges.
He listed Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area, Ohafia, Ezere and other communities in Isuikwuato among the areas benefiting from the ongoing interventions.
He explained that the second phase of the electricity restoration programme in Abam had commenced and covers four communities: Atani, Ndi Oji, Ndi Mmemme and Ndi Orie.
The government also reported that work on electricity restoration in Ohafia had reached an advanced stage, while the project to extend electricity to Nsulu and parts of Ukwa East Local Government Area was expected to commence within two weeks.
The interventions, according to the government, are aimed at addressing long-standing electricity challenges and improving economic and social activities in communities that have experienced inadequate power supply.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the government was implementing renewable energy solutions at functionalised Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
He said the state had adopted a policy that every functionalised PHC must be supported with a renewable energy solution, providing a more reliable source of electricity for healthcare services.
In another major electricity infrastructure development, Prince Kanu announced that construction work had commenced on a new 15MVA injection substation at Ogurube Layout, Umuahia.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company and is expected to strengthen electricity distribution and improve power supply in Umuahia and surrounding communities when completed.
Meanwhile, the state government also provided an update on its water supply and sanitation interventions.
Prince Kanu said rehabilitation work was ongoing on five water schemes located across the three senatorial zones, with projects involving pipeline reticulation and other rehabilitation works progressing at different stages.
He further disclosed that eight additional water schemes had been nominated for rehabilitation in collaboration with the Impact Fund of Denmark through its Infrastructure Finance Facility.
According to him, approval had also been obtained for grant-funded technical assistance to undertake feasibility studies for the development of inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable water infrastructure across Abia State.
On road infrastructure, the Commissioner said 46 direct-labour projects were currently ongoing at various locations across the state, although none had been completed within the period under review.
He added that two additional projects had been incorporated into the Ministry of Works’ maintenance programme. They include erosion control works along the Alayi-Ugwueke Road and Ezi-Alayi Road, both in Bende Local Government Area.
Prince Kanu noted that several other road projects were already under contract across the state. He explained that heavy rainfall had slowed construction activities at some locations but expressed optimism that the pace of work would improve with the expected commencement of the dry season.
The Commissioner also spoke on preparations for the 2026 Igbo Day celebration, revealing that activities had already commenced with an anniversary lecture attended by prominent Igbo intellectuals from the Southeast, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora.
He said the celebration would culminate in a wreath-laying ceremony in memory of Igbo people who lost their lives in the struggle for nationhood.
A memorial service is also scheduled to hold at the Michael Okpara Event Centre near the Nnenna Bus Terminal, alongside a parade involving contingents from participating states.
The celebration will also feature cultural displays, traditional dances, masquerades and other activities designed to showcase the cultural heritage and identity of the Igbo people.
Responding to questions from journalists, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Engr. Ikechukwu Monday, identified the four Abam communities covered by the second phase of the electricity restoration project as Atani, Ndi Oji, Ndi Mmemme and Ndi Orie.
Engr. Monday also addressed concerns over flooding in parts of Abia, describing the recent flooding as a natural phenomenon associated with climate change and noting that similar challenges are being experienced in different parts of the world.
He, however, assured residents that the Abia State Government was taking measures to mitigate the effects of flooding, particularly around Ogurube Layout and Finbarrs Road in Umuahia, as well as some areas of Aba.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, was also present during the briefing.
ALSO READ: Obi Aguocha Donates ₦1.7m to Restore Electricity in Ofeke Community
The latest interventions highlight the Abia State Government’s ongoing focus on electricity restoration, renewable energy, water infrastructure, road maintenance and climate resilience, while the call for communities and security stakeholders to protect public infrastructure remains central to sustaining the projects.
[…] ABSG Cracks Down on Power Vandalism, Restores Electricity to Abam, Ohafia, Isuikwuato, Others […]