The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has commissioned 6.8km of streetlights in Oko Community, Oredo Local Government Area of the state.
The governor also connected the community along the Airport Road axis in Benin City, to the Independent Power Project (IPP) to supply 24 hours uninterrupted electricity to boost socio-economic activities in the area.
Obaseki said the project is part of the first phase of ‘Operation Light Up Edo’ which is about 50km, noting, “We want to make sure that by the end of December 31st, 2022, we have completed all the 50km plus some additional lengths. When we finish this, we will now start the second phase which will take us to 200km of streetlights around the city.
“Our goal is for every street to have the benefit of having street lights in the city. We are coming up with a different scheme to encourage landlords to tap from the main streets. All the adjourning streets on Airport Road under a specific arrangement can benefit with extension from the stretch. At the rate we are going, we believe in another two years, we should have covered over 200km of streetlights in our cities.”
He further noted, “We have a maintenance agreement with some of the contractors involved in the erection of the streetlights. They will be hired to help maintain it from time to time.”
The Functioning Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Electricity, Engr. Victor Osagbouwa Obanor, noted, “Oko Community is one of the first to be captured and benefiting from this project. The IPP will be supplying uninterrupted 24/7 electricity. IPP starts from Ring Road to Oko Junction by IDCL. Airport Road and its environs are now further opened up for socio-economic activities and security surveillance.
“The second project is the street light project powered by our IPP, ensuring that the light remains and darkness disappears. The light project spans 6.788km, and it’s a part of phase one of Project Light up Edo. The bulb is to the standard of 250 watts, bright enough to see clearly at night and children can even read with it as well.”
The Ohen of Oko Community, Pa Ikponmwosa Evbuowan thanked the governor for the streetlight and the IPP projects, assuring him that they will own the project and protect it from vandals.