BEDC connects Oke–Irhue community to national grid

The management of BEDC Electricity Plc (BEDC) has connected Oke – Irhue, an agrarian community in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State, to the national grid for the first time in its existence amidst fanfare by the residents.

The distribution company said the connection of Oke-Irhue was to demonstrate its resolve to partner with communities without electricity supply in addressing their power outage challenge, having fulfilled all necessary preconditions for energisation.

President, OCGA National Assembly, CP Douglas Agbonleni (rtd), said the people of Oke-Irhue are happy that 15 months after the community’s General Assembly worldwide took up the challenge and struggle to light up the town, God finally answered their prayers.

According to him, linking the community to the national grid has put an end to the travail of residents, who over the years had relied solely on generators for power supply.

Agbonleni, who noted that the project had been ongoing since 2002, commended members of the community, the electricity committee for their patience, commitment and cooperation in ensuring that the energisation project became a reality.

While expressing appreciation to BEDC management, Agbonleni said the development would re-awaken socio-economic advantage for the community.

He promised that the OCGA would keep its own side of the bargain by ensuring the safety of the equipment and meeting their financial obligations.

The Federal Government had through the Rural Electrification Agency embarked on the electrification of the community in 2002, before the privatisation of the power sector with the provision of two 300KVA distribution transformers.

BEDC however took over the project and carried out enumeration, line rehabilitation/maintenance and also the subsequent metering of customers through its Meter Asset Providers (MAP) scheme.

After the link-up, only 100 of electricity customers were connected in the first phase. Others are to be added in the next phase of energisation, after meeting wiring standards to ensure safety.