Tension in Lagos community over power outage

There is tension in Ilasamaja community, Mushin Local Government Area of Lagos State, as aggrieved residents especially youths, are threatening to storm the office of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, EKDC, to vent their anger over non-supply of electricity to the area for the past one week.

Also, residents who use pre-paid metres in the community are threatening legal option to get redress over what they termed
increasing act of impunity by EKDC over the power outage.

According to the residents, there were reports of disagreement between officials of EKDC and residents of Kerere-owo and its environs over crazy bills.

There were equally reports of meetings between the parties at the instance of the Baale (local chief) in the area over the matter where the residents were said to have told EKDC officials that they would no longer pay the bill unless, they were charged according to what they consumed.

In reaction to this, EKDC, according to report, decided to isolate 90 percent of the residents in Ilasamaja especially in Akanro and other affected area ,and disconnect power supply to them.

However, the residents of Akanro, Alfa-Nda Streets, and other adjoining areas who have no idea of the disagreement are threatening self help over the power outage.

Speaking on the development, one of the residents, identified as Mr. Uwem, “We have no idea of the disagreement. Again, most of us use pre-paid metres and we spend not less than N5,000 to pay for recharge card. You know there is N750 service charge whether you get supply or not at the end of the month. Those that do not use pre-paid metres in this area (Akanro and environs) pay their bill as at when due.

”So, if there is a disagreement between some people and EKDC over crazy bill is not a reason to isolate us and refuse to supply us power since last week Friday. If EKDC has problem with some people, it should know how to address such problem.”

Efforts to speak with the management of EKDC proved abortive as the Corporate Affairs Manager, Mr. Godwin Idemudia was said to be out of the country.

We are already consulting with our lawyers to seek redress. We are meeting this weekend to finalise discussion with our lawyers over it.

In fact, the youths are threatening to storm EKDC office to vent their anger. But we have been restraining them not to take law into their hands. We want to call on the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to call EKDC to order before this matter degenerate to violence.