The Lagos State Government has commenced efforts to restore electricity to several communities in Badagry West Local Government Area. The affected communities include Akoko, Asipa, Irosu, Gedu, Pengo, Topa, Asgbe (Owode), Farasinme, Shito, Gbethrome, Yekeme, and Pashi, which had been without power for between three and seven years.
According to a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency 1, Solomon Bonu, work has begun on restoring electricity to the affected areas. In a Facebook post, Bonu announced that the first stage of the project, soil testing, has been completed. “Badagry West Electricity Restoration Stage 1 (soil test) completed. Let there be light. Thank you, sir, Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he posted.
Residents of the affected communities have confirmed that work is ongoing. Bashir Abdullahi, a resident of Kweme community, said, “They are planning to erect high-tension poles and are currently conducting soil tests. This is to prevent vandals from stealing the cables. People are very happy about this development.”
The project involves erecting iron poles and mounting cables on them, unlike the previous method where cables were laid under the Gbaji Bridge, making it easy for vandals to cut them. Kikekon Nunayon, another resident, expressed excitement that electricity was finally becoming a reality after several years. He noted that the project would help revive the economy of over 50 communities.
However, Nunayon also urged the government to ensure the project’s completion, citing concerns about abandoned projects in Badagry. “It is commendable to see the project’s commencement, and we appreciate Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. However, the most important thing is completing it. There are several abandoned projects in Badagry. We do not want this to be one of them,” he said.
The restoration of electricity to Badagry West communities is expected to improve the quality of life for residents and boost economic activities in the area. The project is a welcome development for the communities, which had endured significant hardships due to the lack of electricity.
