Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chief Chinedum Orji, has carpeted the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, over alleged poor electricity supply, estimated billing and delay in the replacement of faulty power equipment in the state.
He also condemned non provision of pre paid meters to consumers by the power distribution company.
While ruling on a matter of urgent public importance he brought before House, the Speaker lamented that the EEDC has continued to make Abia people pay exorbitant electricity tariffs for power not supplied.
In his presentation, the Speaker also condemned alleged situations where the electricity company not only leave Abia people without power supply, but make them to suffer over the inability of its workers to fix faulty power equipment like transformers.
He further described as worrisome the situation where EEDC operatives charge his constituents huge amount of money to instal transformers in their various communities after he had paid for such transformers
In his word; “My Distinguished Colleagues, beyond the atrocious activities earlier mentioned, you may wish to note that the already encumbered consumers are expected to contribute to repair or replace broken and faulty EEDC equipment and are left to grope in darkness for not effecting the repairs.
“Hon Colleagues, it is my considered opinion that urgent steps be taken to address this ugly situation in order to discontinue the relocation of small and medium scale enterprise clusters in our dear State to our sister States.”
After contributions from the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, Hon Emeka Okoroafor, Hon Obinna Ichita,Hon. Jerry Uzosike and others, the House directed the Clerk to invite executive officials of EEDC to a session with the House over the matter.
“That the House strongly Condemns the continuous use of Estimated Billing System for Abians contrary to what should be obtainable in the system. That the House do urge EEDC to commence the distribution of free prepaid metres to consumers in the State as directed by the Federal Government.
“That the House should as a matter of urgency consider and pass into Law, the Abia State Electric Power Authority and Power Stations Bill.
“That the State should look into alternative power supply for the State. That the House do urge EEDC to commence repairs and replacement of broken and faulty EEDC equipment. That the House do invite the Regional Manager of EEDC in its Executive Session for interaction with a view to finding a lasting solution to the menace.”
