Residents from Olodo to Iyana Offa in Oyo State took to the streets on Monday to protest against continuous disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
A large number of protesters gathered at the IBEDC office located in Alabebe along Iwo-Olodo road, obstructing vehicular activities in and around the area.
Some of the protesters carrying banners and placards, with inscriptions expressing their hard feelings and frustrations, told reporters that it has been years of suffering for them as the Electricity Distribution Company continues in its insensitive relationship with them despite the good neighbourliness shown to them by the communities.
They listed the communities as Adewumi, Trailer Park, Adeleye, Erunmu, Fatumo, Atari, Lalupon, Ejioku, Ile-Igbon, and Iyana-Ofa, among others, maintaining that all of them have been without electricity for over five years with no hope of reconnection by IBEDC.
However, in a swift reaction, the management of the power company said it is working to resolve these issues, despite delays with the funding for the Lalupon 1 x 15MVA, 33/11kV Injection Substation.
According to the company, which has since closed its offices to prevent a breakdown of law and order, it is currently exploring alternative solutions while remaining committed to improving service delivery to its teeming customers.
In a statement made available to reporters, IBEDC disclosed that several meetings have been held with community leaders to keep them informed of the situation, assuring that every effort is being made to restore full power supply to the affected communities.
The statement said thus; “While the lack of right of way to re-erect broken poles caused the initial interruption in power supply, IBEDC is actively seeking creative solutions to restore power to the affected communities.
“Currently, 65% of customers on the feeder are receiving power, while efforts are being made to backfeed some of the remaining Distribution Substations (DSS) from an alternative feeder. IBEDC recognizes the importance of electricity in people’s daily lives and is working tirelessly to resolve the current supply challenges.”
Meanwhile, the statement has assured the affected customers that the 33KV sub-station project remains a top priority for the company, adding that upon completion, the new sub-station will improve the reliability of the power supply to the area, ensuring that residents and businesses have access to a more stable and consistent source of electricity.
This is as the firm reaffirmed its commitment to keeping customers informed of the progress of the project and to continue working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome for all the parties involved.
