Imported User:
The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in Delta said it lost 108 poles in last week Tuesday’s rainstorm that ravaged the Delta capital and its environs.
The company’s Business Manager in the district, Mr Edwin Okpara, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba on Monday that 90 poles were lost in Ogwashi-Uku alone.
Okpara said that 50 high-tension poles and 40 low-tension poles were destroyed in the town by the storm.
He listed the quarters badly affected in the community as Umudei, Ogbe Umuokwuni, Ogbenta-Obi and Ogbo-Ogbo.
The business manager said that Asaba metropolis and environs lost 18 poles, which were linked to “our 33kv network from Obosi works centre in Anambra”.
He said that power supply had been restored to greater part of Asaba and environs, but that it would take a while to fix the problem in Ogwashi-Uku.
Okpara, however, said that the disaster had been reported to PHCN zonal headquarters in Benin, where approval and funds would be released for the replacement of poles and repair work in Ogwashi-Uku.
“I don’t know how soon we can fix the problem in Ogwashi-Uku. We have reported the incident to Benin zonal headquarters and we are expecting approval and release of funds.
“It is an enormous job that will need much money and I know that PHCN cannot readily provide such funds in a short while.
“We are hoping and praying that something comes up fast from there and, as they release money, we will replace the poles gradually,” he said.
The manager appealed to residents of the community to show understanding in the prevailing circumstances.
He also solicited support of the state government, the community and individuals, in the provision of materials for restoration of power in the area.
NAN recalls that apart from the electricity poles, many private and public buildings were adversely affected by the rainstorm.
In his reaction, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku, Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo, called for relief materials to be sent to families affected by the incident.
He also appealed for assistance to rebuild destroyed structures and replace PHCN poles.
