The Lagos State Government has begun restoring electricity to some communities in Badagry West Local Government Area.

This follows a Saturday PUNCH report that the Kweme community had been without power for seven years, while other communities had also been in darkness for between three and four years.

The affected communities are Akoko, Asipa, Irosu, Gedu, Pengo, Topa, Asgbe (Owode), Farasinme, Shito, Gbethrome, Yekeme, and Pashi.

Saturday PUNCH had reported the hardship endured by residents, including having to cross into neighbouring Benin Republic to charge their phones.

Two months after the publication, a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry Constituency 1, Solomon Bonu, announced via a Facebook post that work had commenced on restoring electricity to the affected areas.

“Badagry West Electricity Restoration Stage 1 (soil test) completed. Let there be light. Thank you, sir, Mr Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” he posted.

Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, a resident of Kweme community, Bashir Abdullahi, confirmed that work had begun.

Abdullahi commended Saturday PUNCH for facilitating progress on the electrification project.

He 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.”

Another resident, Kikekon Nunayon, said, “The first phase of the electrification project is ongoing. Drilling is being carried out where iron poles will be erected. Cables will be mounted on the poles, unlike before when they were laid under the Gbaji Bridge. That method made it easy for vandals to repeatedly cut the cables.”

He said the people were excited that, after several years, electricity was finally becoming a reality.

Nunayon also noted that the project would help revive the economy of over 50 communities.

“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.”