Pains Of Dry Cleaners Over Poor Power Supply

AS a result of the epileptic power supply, dry cleaners have resorted to different ways of coping with the situation. From one part of Lagos to the other it is the same story of lamentation.

The Guardian learnt from Chioma Ogbodo one of the staff of MEGA WASH Professional Dry Cleaner, Surulere, Lagos at their collection centre at Apapa that they use generator to power their washing machine and to iron the clothes for their customers.

“We charge N2,000 for normal dry cleaning. But if it is express service you pay 100 per cent surcharge.

“We depend on generators. The fuel scarcity has affected our business as well. It has reduced patronage from our customers.

People are running away for the traffic in Apapa because they spend more fuel in the traffic.” She added that poor supply of electricity has made their work difficult. Also the owner of Sule Ventures Dry Cleaners Apapa, Adamu Sule complained of poor supply of electricity in the area which has really affected his business. He now uses charcoal iron and hand washing for dry cleaning.

“To wash and iron is N100. Washing alone is N50. We don’t use electric iron because of the problem of electricity. His colleague, Haruna Sule also corroborated what he said. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Divine Success, Ikotun, Mr. Chris Imeze disclosed that since he has been in the business for the past five years, it has not been easy.

“The only thing is that when the road is rough the rougher ones keep going. We have been managing to see that we did not go out of business. But the problem is that the government is not helping us by proving regular electricity.

” Imeze charges N400 for a shirt and trouser, N400 for native wears, and N600 for suit. He is worried that there are certain materials that one cannot even dip into water. “If you do that you are damaging the materials. We have to result to using our generator.”

“To a large extent, electricity has been a major problem. If you are into laundry service, there is no way you can survive without electricity.”

He regretted that since he started the business five years ago there has never been a time he enjoys regular supply of electricity.