By Emeagi Emeka Williams
For over a protracted 10yrs, the people of Kwale, a sprawling community in Ndokwa West Local Govt Area of Delta state, have needlessly wallowed in darkness, a situation that has not only given them a near – stone – age experience, but has altered the normal pace of social economic activities.
It is preposterous that this poor electricity jinx has not been broken by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, the power authority in that area of the country.
Timeswatch correspondent traveled around town to sample the minds of beneficiaries of this ugly electricity fate, and found that the people are indeed deeply depressed over the wanton deprivation that appears to have no end in sight.
Findings revealed that the Ndokwa nation, richly endowed with enviable crude deposits, exist without critical infrastructure, especially electricity, the pivot that carries industrial growth.
Apparently, Ndokwa dwells with drops of individual wealth, but is devoid of that collective leadership induced social development, such that define modern day societies and distinguish well governed climes.
And this is despite the existence of oil exploration giants such as Agip, Shell, Mid Western Oil & Gas, etc in Ndokwa.
Behind this sad, sorry and gorry social saga is what used to be very epileptic power situation, which inexplicably today became total unavailability.
Harrison Micah, one of the social activists and indigenes of that area, who is also a member of the United Ndokwa for Growth and Development Association, UNFGADA, bitterly lamented the situation that has placed not only plunged Ndokwa in darkness, but also despondency – creating a survival – of – the – fittest scenario; atmosphere which he said fosters desperation, anger, hunger and criminality.
Regarding the phenomenon as requiring urgent citizens reaction, Harrison stressed that the UNFGADA is set for a massive peaceful protest to register agitation against failure of system and systemic social cum economic emasculation by the ruling elites, whom he said care only a little about the masses.
“How can children of a wealthy family be surrounded with so much water without any to drink”, he angrily quizzed.
According to Harrison, well meaning sons and daughters of Ndokwa will align towards this all important “Light Up Ndokwa peaceful protest” scheduled to hold on 16, June; to stem the tide of power deprivation / oppression.
