PHED Appeals For Synergy To Curtail Vandalization
By Abasi Ita
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution, Plc,PHED,has appealed for collaboration from electricity consumers and major stakeholders in combating the disturbing rate of vandalization of electricity installations in Cross River State.
Head, of Cooperate Communication PHED, Olubukola Ilevbare made the appeal at the PHED- Consumers forum organized by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission for electricity consumers in Calabar axis.
She described the vandalization of electrical installations as a major setback hampering current efforts aimed at upscaling power supply ratio in the state.
She revealed that the forum-themed “Customers Complaints Resolution Meeting” was aimed at addressing complaints and other issues from electricity consumers within the state.
She argued that ‘most of the issues affecting transformers are caused by the nefarious activities of vandals in the neighbourhoods, noting that in several occasions, the PHED had restored transformers vandalized by criminals”
Ilevbare explained that” though there are genuine cases of transformer breakdowns, ” it’s the responsibility of PHED to fix them without financial contributions from affected consumers”
Speaking, the Cross River Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy Eka William, lamented the rate of vandalism in the state describing the scenario as alarming.
Eka cited the instance of the power line between Calabar through Odukpani to Akamkpa which he said was restored by the present government.
In his words,” 21 km of cables, 200 poles, and other installations which cost the state over 200 million to replace were taken off by electricity vandals weeks after installation.
“This is in addition to 20 transformers within that network which have been vandalized. The heat
should not be on the service providers alone but also on our brothers/sisters, we need to take ownership of these facilities”
On his part, a member representing Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar South Federal Constituency Hon. Joseph Bassey decried the level of vandalization calling it an organized crime.
He charged consumers” Everyone has to be disciplined as electricity supply is a collective thing and all stakeholders should work together’
The lawmaker however expressed dismay over the deplorable state of electrical facilities describing them as obsolete.
He implored PHED to step up efforts in. addressing perennial blackouts, restoring electricity to areas without power supply for years instead of prioritizing revenue generation, and disconnection of indebted consumers without prior notifications as a prime schedule.
Also speaking, Angela Ajere, who represented the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the PHED expressed delight at the success of the which she noted was meant to foster a robust collaboration between service providers in the power sector and consumers for mutual benefits.
Earlier, the NERC Commissioner, Consumers Affairs, Aisha Mahmud said the meeting was intended to educate and enlighten consumers about the electricity industry and their rights as consumers