EKEDC raises alarm over vandalism of electricity equipment in Mushin, Lagos Island, Ijora others
Oredola Adeola
The Management of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has condemned the spate of vandalism within its network occuring in the last few weeks , particularly in areas including Mushin, Yaba, Surulere , Ijora , Apapa and Lagos Island.
Dr. Tinuade Sanda, EKEDC Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, in a press conference held at the company headquarters in Lagos revealed that the spate of vandalism of electricity cables and equipment in the affected areas have contributed significantly to the prolonged power outages recorded within its network in recent times.
She further said, ” Several cases of vandalism have led to disruptions of many businesses , physical injuries and loss of lives , particularly of innocent and unsuspecting members of the public.
” This menace has made it difficult for us to provide adequate electricity to our customers whilst also posing a serious threat to our distribution infrastructure , especially the electricity cables.
Dr.Sanda particularly mentioned that a certain company with the name Yunusa S.Power Global Service Limited is not its agent and does not have the company’s mandate to carry out any form of escavation on any electrical or cable installations within EKEDC’s network.
She said, ” Eko DisCo operations are carried out only by its authorised staff and operatives who can be easily identified with the EKEDC branded coversafety overall and jackets.
“The electricity supply in Nigeria is currently facing a lot of challenges such as shortage of gas supply, a drop in power generation and recurrent system collapse of the national grid.
“These challenges have adversely affected the supply of power to our customers .’ I would like to reiterate to our esteemed customers that we are actively engaging the other stakeholders in the industry to provide solutions to these problem.
The EKEDC’s MD however charged its customers , security agencies and general public to be vigilant and assist the company in the fight against vandalism within the DisCo franchise area. She emphasized that the incessant acts of criminality can be brought to an end through the commitment of stakeholders, including the public.
She also charged the public and customers in some of the network areas to report any person or group of individuals posing as staff of EKEDC to the company or security agencies close to the area.
Dr. Sanda also noted that the company’s whistleblower channels, social media are available 24/7 to receive reports of vandalism within it’s franchise area, giving assurance that perpetrators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by the law of the country.
