Rainstorm: Ogun working to repair damaged electric poles

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and the Ogun State Government are collaborating to repair the damaged poles in the state’s Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area, caused by the rainstorm following Sunday’s downpour.

Following his visit to the affected areas on Monday, the state government made the assurance to the victims of the rainstorm through a statement signed by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Kayode Akinmade.

Recall that on Monday, victims of the rainstorm destruction, lamented that the fallen electric poles and installations opposite Bridge, Sango-Ota, caused by the heavy rainfall would throw them into several days of darkness.

They also expressed fear that some of the fallen electric poles posed a danger to the lives of road users and residents.

Some of the affected communities include Iyana Iyesi, Osuke Town, Egan Road, Lyana Ilogbo, Ijaba, Ijagba, Itele, Lafenwa, Singer, Joju, Alishiba, Oju Ore, Tollgate, Eledi, Akeja, Abebi, Osi Round About, Ota Town, Ota Industrial Estate, Igberen, Lju, Atan, Onipanu, Obasanjo, and Lusada.

Others are Arigba, Odugbe, Ado-Odo, Igbesa, and Owode. Olokuta, Hanushi, Bamtish Camp Lufiwape, Eltees Farm, August Engineering, Spark Cear Soap Ayetoro, Amazing Grace Oil, Christopher University, and Royal Garden Estate.

According to Akinmade, the electric cables had no power supply before the destruction, stressing that the government “went on a physical site inspection of the affected area on Monday to ascertain the extent of the damage and to know how to engage with the IBEDC team.

“We are currently working with the IBEDC team led by the Regional Manager and the Technical Head for the Ogun Region. Some of the less affected feeders have been restored and energised, while the clean-up of the most affected areas has already started.

“Most of the poles on the roads have been removed, while the remaining will be taken out today (Wednesday). We are working with the IBEDC to ensure there will be a full restoration of power in Sango Ota before the week runs out.

“The government is not relenting in its effort to make sure that we restore power to Sango Ota and its environs, and we can assure the citizens that we are on top of the matter. We, therefore, commiserate with those whose properties were destroyed by the fallen poles, as the government urged those living in the area to remain calm.”

A viral video seen by our correspondent on Monday shows over five electric poles and cables falling across the wet road.

Busolami Tunwase, the spokesperson for the IBEDC, did not pick up her cell phone when our correspondent tried to reach her on Wednesday.

As of the filing of this story, she had also not replied to our correspondent’s text regarding the incident.