Khadijat Saidu Birning Kebbi
Residents in Kebbi state are planning a massive protest over what they described as a deliberate attempt by the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEADCO) to put them in a severe situation especially now that the weather is so hot; they appeal to the headquarters of the company to wade in to avert protest by asking the area manager to ensure there is restore of the power supply back to residents.
The concerned loyal consumers are disappointed as to why the company has woefully failed to fulfill its own side of the bargain in spite of the people’s sustained effort in discharging their responsibility of offsetting electricity bills regularly.
Kebbi state is known for peace but the blackout may likely spark off a dangerous protest if not curtailed may lead to the breakdown of laws and order as residents have continued to mobilize for the massive protest.
It is glaringly on record that the Government of Kebbi State, under the leadership of Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu has been giving large financial support and equipment such as transformers free to assist the company in providing a stable electricity supply to residents of the State.
Meanwhile, speaking to journalists in his office at the district office in Birnin Kebbi, the Area Manager, Ishaq Gomna explained that power supply is not possible in Kebbi state due to low collections and a sharp drop in megawatts given to the state since he assumed office as area manager.
He added that it is no longer possible to enjoy the power due to low collections and poor Supply from the distribution company of Nigeria, he said if he gives the power supply to Kebbi customers there is the likely hood that such can cause the collapse of the National grid since some of their gadgets cannot stand the power coming into them.
The KAEDCO Boss said load sharing must be abolished to guarantee the electric supply being enjoyed saying continuing to supply power to customers in Kebbi without paying their bills to the company amid low megawatts may lead to the grounding of the company’s business in the state.
He denied the rumour that the Kebbi state government is subsiding electricity to customers but admitted that the state government does replace transformers in some communities where the need for such arises.
He alleged that prepaid meters installed in the Aliero housing estate in Birnin Kebbi out of 90% installed prepaid meters have been compromised hence the reason for not giving adequate power supply.
While the customers in the housing estate groan under poor supply and low voltage, the area Manager insisted that most customers in the area are on direct and can’t pay their bills as at when due hence they will be treated like the direct customers.
