,,, Crave for continuity to justify over 300 % increase in tariff.
By Dawud Ahmed in Lokoja.
Residents of Lokoja, Kogi state,especially those in Gadumo community, have expressed cautious joy and relief over the recent improvement in the supply of electricity by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company AEDC to the area.
In separate interview with our correspondent on Friday and Saturday morning at various locations in the state capital, they described the new development in energy supply as heart warming and wished it continues.
Mal.Mohamme Abdullahi, a resident of Gadumo quarters, said:”It serves as a surprise to me that I can have constant public light for close to 12.hours without a blink. Kudos to AEDC for this feat which has eluded electricity consumers for months now.
Another resident at phase 1,Lokongoma community, Mr Anthony Chukuma also commended AEDC for the improved service but said he did that with “utmost caution.”
He, however, urged the management of the company not to renege on their promise to electricity consumers to ensure improved electricity supply.
“When there is constant power supply, nobody will complain of hike in electricity tariff as done recently which was increased to over 300 per cent.
To me, increase in electricity supply, given the recent huge increase in electricity tariff is within the context of the concept of effective service to justify what the consumers are paying for and ensure social justice.
A hair dressing saloon operator.at Lokongoma 11 area, Miss Beatrice Alabi, also expressed my joy over the recent improvement in the electricity supply, adding that the development had improved her business.
Alabi ,who commended AEDC, however, stressed the need for the company to continue to justify the recent increase in electricity tariff by giving priority to constant power supply.
A security enthusiast, who wants to remain anonymous, expressed optimism that if AEDC could sustain the current improved energy supply, it would go along way to check insecurity, especially in the night.
“Experience shows that criminals operate more in the night and when power outage becomes a culture in their area of operation in the night, they umleash more hell on law abiding members of the public.
“With the current improved supply of electricity,especially in the night in Lokoja ,criminal elements will be exposed and put to where they belong,”
A reliable source at the Regional office of AEDC,who spoke with our correspondent,attributed the improved energy supply in Lokoja to increase in gas supply to the company.
As at the time of this report at about 9 a.m, Gadumo quarters and its environs have uninterrupted power supply spanning 12 hours.
