Why we have not restored electricity to Enugu communities, says EEDC

PHOTO: Enugu State Government

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has said that insecurity and attack of its workers have contributed to its inability to repair and restore electricity supply to three communities, Eha-Amufu, Ikem and Obollo Afo, in Isiuzo and Nsukka Councils of Enugu State.

The communities have been without power supply in the last two months and it was gathered that attempts by EEDC staff to rectify the problem and restore supply to the areas were rebuffed on June 8, as youths allegedly attacked them at Eha-Amafu, destroying some equipment, furniture and other work tools at the EEDC Service Centre in the community.

In a statement yesterday, EEDC’s Communications Manager, Emeka Eze, stated the company would not like to expose its workers to avoidable danger, adding: "As a business, we value our staff and their safety is our greatest concern.

“In this case, the environment is no longer safe for our men to move in and clear the fault. It is important to note that prior to this incident, Eha-Amufu community enjoyed good supply, as they are fortunate to be situated at the source of supply, which radiates from Nkalagu.

“Due to this unfortunate incident, other communities feeding from the same line have been out of supply.”

He, however, disclosed that in a conscious effort to resolve the issue and restore supply to customers, EEDC representatives have been meeting with Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Benjamin Edeoga, some selected traditional rulers, the president general and other critical stakeholders of the communities.

“At these meetings, EEDC made some demands, some of which are: an undertaking by the community, assuring and guaranteeing EEDC of the safety of its personnel to enable them move in and clear the fault and replacement of all the destroyed equipment and providing the youths that perpetrated the act.

"We are not happy about this development; we are in business and have lost millions of naira as a result of this incident. We are committed to providing service to our customers and expect them to pay for service rendered.

“If for any reason customers are aggrieved, there are established channels for them to channel their grievances. There is no justification for this gruesome act and we condemn it in its totality,” he said.