By Muhammad Lawal
The Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi-Mika’ilu, has expressed serious concern that electricity consumers in Nigeria were subjected to double jeopardy.
He lamented why electricity consumers must purchase transformers and other electrical installations, yet, the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) ask them to pay bills immediately.
The emir made the observation when he received officials of Kebbi State Development Forum (KDF) on a courtesy visit in his Palace in Zuru yesterday.
The visit was part of a sensitisation tour of Emirates in the state under the Kebbi Electricity Forum (KEF).
The emir lamented why if a transformer, pole or any electrical installations was faulty, it was the community that will contribute money and purchase the equipment but after the purchase, the KEDCO would immediately start charging them.
“Sometimes it’s the community that will approach politicians for the same electrical installations, yet, they have to pay KEDCO to install it and they will start billing them immediately, why?
“I am of the opinion that in such a scenario, KEDCO should introduce a measure to repay the transformer or any electrical installations by waving the customers’ subsequent bills until such equipment is fully paid for.”
He advocated KEDCO to pay back the amount spent in the purchase of such equipment 100 percent before they start billing them.
The emir promised to establish a committee on electricity so as to have a legal backing on any action taken to restore light.
According to him, power is a very important issue, as no development can be achieved without power.
Earlier, Chairman, Kebbi Development Forum (KDF), Alhaji Usman Abubakar, told the emir that they were in Zuru to interact with the people and to create awareness on electricity consumption, effective utilisation of power and the need to pay their bills promptly.
The chairman said for every transformer or electrical installations purchase by consumers, there was procedure to be followed for repayment, hence the need for awareness.
In line with creating awareness, he said, the organisation, in collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), would go round all the four emirates to educate customers on their rights.
Abubakar appreciated the Kebbi Government for assisting KEDCO with N650 million to purchase a 15MVA transformer as well as its monthly support of N150 million to the company for enhanced electricity supply across the state.
He stressed the need for people to take ownership of electricity installations to guard them against vandalism, while appealing to people to ensure prompt payment of their bills. (NAN)
