The first phase of the electricity restoration project in Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency has been completed and is awaiting commissioning, according to the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives, Unyime Idem.
Idem said test-running is now under way in some of the communities covered in the first phase to confirm that the installations are safe, reliable and fully functional before the system becomes operational.
He said the exercise is intended to detect faults, verify performance, ensure regulatory compliance and support a smooth handover of the project.
The lawmaker said the test-run followed the completion of key infrastructure works, including pole planting, cabling, transformer installation and other electricity support facilities in the affected communities.
He recalled that in January 2026, he donated 25 units of 500kVA transformers to the 24 wards in the federal constituency and pledged to rehabilitate the power network and reconnect the area to the national grid after more than 15 years without public electricity supply.
According to him, Ikot Akpa Nkuk in Ukanafun Local Government Area and Ikot Ibritam in Oruk Anam Local Government Area have already been linked to the national grid through Ikot Abasi.
Idem said routing the connection through Ikot Abasi increased the cost of the project, but added that he chose to absorb the extra expense in order to provide what he described as a more durable and reliable power supply.
He also gave an update on transformer delivery and installation across the constituency.
According to him, Oruk Anam Ward 1 has taken delivery of its 500kVA transformer, which was collected by community elders from the Ukanafun Divisional Police Headquarters, where the equipment had been kept for safekeeping.
He added that elders of Ukanafun Ward 1 have also received their transformer, which has already been installed at the council headquarters in Ikot Akpa Nkuk and connected to the grid.
The lawmaker said some wards have already received their transformers, while the remaining wards will take delivery once electricity infrastructure installation reaches their areas.
He assured residents that the first phase would be commissioned after the ongoing test-run is completed, and said work on the second phase would begin thereafter.
Idem urged wards not included in the first phase to remain patient, saying the project is being carried out in stages and that all 24 wards will eventually be linked to the national grid.
