By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Residents of Okerenkoko Community in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State have taken a bold stand against the management of National Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) and Neconde Energy Limited over the prolonged lack of electricity in their community.
In a peaceful protest held on Monday morning at the OML 42 Jones Creek Flow Station, the residents issued a three-day ultimatum to the oil companies to connect the community to a turbine power source.
Okerenkoko, a host community to the OML 42 Jones Creek Flow Station operated by the NPDC and Neconde joint venture, has been grappling with a lack of electricity for over twelve years.
This dire situation has sparked outrage among the residents, particularly the women of the community who spearheaded the protest.
During the protest, the women of Okerenkoko voiced their frustration, stating that despite numerous letters and two previous protests, the management of NPDC and Neconde has failed to fulfill their promises to restore electricity to the community.
The protesters highlighted the stark disparity of the oil company staff enjoying electricity while the community continues to suffer without basic amenities such as light and clean water.
“We came here to the flow station and forced the staff out of their offices because we don’t have light for years, and they are enjoying light while Okerenkoko as a host community is left in darkness without access to clean water,” one of the protesters expressed.
The ultimatum given by the residents stipulates that if the companies do not install a turbine power source by Wednesday, July 24, 2024, they will take further action to shut down operations at the flow station in a bid to draw attention to their plight.
When contacted for comments, the management of NPDC and Neconde Energy Limited declined to provide a statement on the issue at the time of reporting.
The community said it remains resolute in their demand for access to electricity and basic amenities, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and calling for immediate action from the oil companies to address their grievances.
