Aba, the bustling commercial hub of Abia State, continues to grapple with darkness more than a month following the much-anticipated inauguration of the Geometrix Power Plant. Commissioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in February 2024, the $800 million, 188 Megawatt thermal plant was expected to mark the dawn of a new era in the city’s electricity supply. Initiated two decades ago by former Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, the project’s launch was heralded as a significant breakthrough for the city’s longstanding power woes.
Contrary to the assertions that Aba would enjoy round-the-clock electricity a week post-commissioning, Abia Online’s investigation paints a grim picture of the reality on the ground. Claims of uninterrupted power supply, which proliferated across social media platforms following the plant’s launch, appear to be more fiction than fact.
One video, in particular, captured a resident brandishing a bottle of frozen water, purportedly a testament to the plant’s efficacy, while imploring Governor Alex Otti to dial back the overwhelming power supply. Such testimonials, however, stand in stark contrast to the experiences of the broader Aba populace.
In discussions with residents across various city locales, Abia Online uncovered widespread disappointment and frustration. A resident of the Afule community, who pledged anonymity, lamented the persistent power shortages, reporting that electricity was available for less than ten days monthly. Similarly, Chiemela Chijioke, a local welder, expressed disillusionment, noting no improvement in power supply since the plant’s much-publicized commissioning, a situation that has adversely impacted his business and family life.
Despite these widespread reports of insufficient power supply, there appears to be a silver lining for residents along the Line 33 Federal power route, encompassing parts of Ogbor Hill and Ike Akpara areas. Here, a semblance of the promised improved electricity seems to have materialized, albeit limited to areas traditionally benefiting from more consistent federal power lines.
Amidst the ongoing power supply challenges, the city of Aba has seen notable infrastructural advancements under Governor Alex Otti’s administration. Road construction efforts, particularly on Port Harcourt Road, have been met with approval from residents, offering a glimmer of hope for the city’s overall development trajectory.
As the Geometrix Power Plant’s promise of a revolutionized electricity supply in Aba remains unmet, the city’s residents are left waiting for the fulfilment of a pledge that could transform their daily lives and economic prospects. The disparity between the celebratory narratives and the lived experiences of Aba’s populace underscores the complexities and challenges in bridging the gap between infrastructural promises and their practical realization.
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