Residents Demand Accountability as YEDC Committee Set to visit Emir of Damaturu Amidst Power Supply Crisis

By Ibrahim Umar,
Kanempress News,
11th, November,2024

Residents of Gashua Road in Damaturu are raising urgent concerns regarding inconsistent power supply, receiving electricity for only 3-4 hours daily, primarily during late night hours. This stark contrast to other areas, which enjoy 15-20 hours of service, has led the community to formally petition the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) for prepaid meters to ensure fair billing.

During a recent visit to YEDC, Concern community Residents representatives—including Youth Chairman Babagana Umar, forum Chairman Muhammad Ahmed Isa, Vice Chairmen Muhammad Adam Ibrahim and Idriss Aminu Umar, DG Press,others—expressed their frustrations.

The community members were received by the regional manager Mr Ibrahim Salisu together with his team including Business manager and customer care units.

The regional manager explained that Gashua Road’s larger feeder size results in reduced power allocation compared to smaller feeders. He attributed the ongoing shortages to vandalism and national grid failures, stating that the current distribution cannot accommodate all five feeders simultaneously.

In response to their petition, the regional manager assured residents that a committee from YEDC headquarter would visit the Emir of Damaturu to discuss these pressing issues. The delegation plans to meet with the Emir on Wednesday the 13th, November,2024 to advocate for equitable power distribution.

Community members voiced their determination to take legal action if their demands are not addressed. Resident Idriss Aminu stated, “The power came at 12:10 AM and was taken away at 4:09 AM. We cannot pay for what we have not used,” highlighting the damage caused to their appliances due to erratic supply. Muhammad Yau added that they would reject their bills this month if satisfactory responses are not provided.

However, after the recent complain, we noticed a slight increase of distribution at Gashua Road yesterday and today which is a clear testament that our voice are heard said by one of the residents

As dissatisfaction grows, residents are urging the state government and regulatory bodies to investigate YEDC’s practices and ensure fair treatment across all areas. They demand a public explanation for the ongoing discrepancies in power supply.

The outcome of the upcoming meeting with the Emir could be crucial in addressing these long-standing concerns and restoring trust between residents and YEDC.