Residents of Akeddei community in Bayelsa State have lamented the excruciating pains of years of poor power supply, noting that they sometimes stay four months without electricity.
The residents who expressed hopes that the long awaited ‘All On’ solar hybrid mini-grid project, which is nearing completion, would alleviate their pains, said poor power supply has affected livelihoods in the community.
A resident, Willie David, in a chat with journalists, narrated how poor power supply in the community has grounded most small scale businesses and made the few ones who manage to remain afloat to experience outrageous operational costs.
”Sometimes we stay over four months without electricity, it has been very difficult for us here without light. Most business centres and other small scale business operators here have folded up.
“Some of us who went out of our ways to get alternative power supply like using generating sets on a daily basis are going through hell,” he said.
Other residents expressed similar experience about the poor electricity supply in the community.
Ebedi Sowerei, another resident, said the situation has forced many youths to leave the community in search of better opportunities, as businesses cannot thrive without power supply.
He expressed hope that things will change for better on the completion of the solar hybrid mini-grid.
Soriwei said the community has followed the project closely, not only because of its long-term promise but also because their youths are already participating directly in its implementation.
“Our local youth have been engaged in construction and site preparation, while the company handling the project has initiated training programmes for community-based operators who will manage technical and administrative functions after commissioning,” he said.
The Communications Lead at All On, Toun Odetola, said on Tuesday that the Akeddei project is part of the second phase of the electrification initiative for the Niger Delta area and is estimated to have 1,058 electricity connections upon completion.
“The objective of the Akeddei project goes beyond installing energy infrastructure. It places strong emphasis on productive-use customers, including small businesses, artisans and service providers whose activities depend heavily on reliable power supply.
“It is about enabling meaningful energy access that supports livelihoods, reduces dependence on expensive alternatives, and strengthens communities across the Niger Delta,” Odetola explained.
Also speaking, Henry Ureh, Chief Executive Officer of Darway Coast Ltd, the project implementing company, said the initiative represents a long-term commitment to delivering reliable and affordable electricity in rural communities.
He said. “With millions of households still lacking reliable grid power, mini-grids are increasingly seen as practical solutions for rural and riverine communities where extending the national grid remains difficult and costly.
“We are confident that the people of Akeddei will experience measurable improvements in their quality of life, unlocking new economic opportunities for the community.”
‘We stay months without light’ – Bayelsa community laments years of poor electricity supply
