ENUGU: Residents Seek Review Of Power Privatization, Lament Poor Supply

The power supply situation in Enugu state is nothing to write home about. From epileptic supply, residents now go on for days without a sight of supply.

The Enugu Electric Distribution Company (EEDC), the outfit that manages the distribution of power in the state has attributed to situation to cut in the supply of gas.

The power company recently claimed that it procured and distributed about 400 transformers to various parts of the Southeast to boost supply.

Residents however appear not convinced that the company has the capacity to satisfy needs of the zone.  There are strong indications that the EEDC has failed in its responsibilities by not ensuring that the power generated is effectively distributed.

This is as a result of faulty and old transformers that litter in the state, making it difficult for many places to stay without supply as well as alleged lack of adequate manpower. Residents, who spoke on the power supply situation in the state, said it has worsened with the scarcity of petrol, even as they called on the government to review the privatization policy that led to the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

They insisted that a review has become inevitable to save the country’s economy. Miss Ogochukwu Onah, a student residing at Awkunanaw area of the state, said her area had been without supply in the last three months following the inability of the EEDC officials to repair or replace a faulty transformer that supplies electricity to the area. She said that rather than continue to wait, many who have the means have resorted to buying and operating generator set jointly.

Her views were also shared by the President, International Solidarity for Peace and Human Rights Initiative (Inter-solidarity), Comrade Osmond Ugwu, who said:“The power supply situation in my area and many others in this state is too poor and very exploitative. There is no regular supply of power, but we pay much as terrify.

It is indeed very frustrating. It is one of the key areas I feel the incoming administration should urgently address.

Mr Okafor Anthony, a civil servant said: “ It is wonderful and too epileptic. I do not think it has anything to do with fuel supply.

“Before the power company was privatized the situation was different. We use to have supply of power on regular basis but now one cannot rely on it for anything. People have resorted to buying generator with the attendant noise and risk.’