Some communities in Badagry, Lagos State, are facing a severe power outage lasting over 18 months; a situation that has caused significant disruptions to daily lives and businesses.
Residents of areas such as Jegba Quarters, Posikoh, Huntoh, Farakoh, Igbaho, and Awahjigoh in Badagry Local Government have voiced their frustration over the situation caused by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
Arowolo Lukuman, the Chairman of the Electricity Committee in the area, explained that the outage stemmed from a transformer fault dating back to October 22, 2022.
Lukuman said despite reporting the issue and contributing funds as requested by EKEDC, the problem persisted, leading to a breakdown in communication regarding outstanding debts.
“We reported the fault to EKEDC’s office in Badagry and Agbara.
“They asked us to contribute money which we did; after which some technical crew from the Agbara office came to fix the fault but a few days later, the transformer exploded again.
“We met their officials at Agbara and Marina on the issue, and they told us that the community is owing over N4.5 million to the company, out of which we should pay at least N2.5 million before they can repair it,” he said.
Residents said efforts were made to seek assistance from local authorities, including the Chairman of Badagry Local Government to purchase a new transformer. However, challenges in payment and unresolved debts have hindered progress.
The blackout has significantly impacted businesses in the area, thereby affecting the income and livelihoods of people in these areas.
Business owners lamented their struggles and financial burdens due to the prolonged outage.
EKEDC’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Segun Kosoko, acknowledged the outstanding debts but clarified inconsistencies in the amounts owed.
He stressed the need for residents to address their debts by paying at least 60 percent to commence repairs or replacements of the faulty transformer.
“The management’s directive is that part of the debts should be paid.
“For the transformer to be repaired, they have to make appreciable payments against their debts in their electricity bills.
“The last payment by residents in those communities was just N38,500 in May 2023,” he said.
The situation calls for active collaboration between communities, local authorities, and EKEDC to resolve and restore normalcy to the affected communities.