By Joyce Babayeju
Association of Landlords, Jukwoyi Phase 4, a satellite community in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Monday called on the President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency overhaul the management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) over its appalling performance, gross incompetence, ineptitude, and customer neglect exhibited the company.
The Association lamented that the neglect by AEDC have inflicted immense suffering on the community, therefore, demands immediate corrective action.
Chairman of the Association, Kareem Bolakale Akeem, said that for over three months, “our community, Jukwoyi, Phase 4, a satellite community in the FCT, has been submerged in darkness due to the failure of a critical transformer, which the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has failed to replace or repair.
According to him, “The consequences extend far beyond residential hardship, as local businesses struggle to survive, with many already forced to shut their doors and others preparing to depart.
“Mr. President, let us bring to your notice that, it was the community itself that funded and installed the transformer and supporting infrastructures nearly fourteen years ago.
“Regrettably, AEDC’s subpar maintenance and lax regulatory oversight significantly shortened its lifespan, leading to its eventual failure. This is not unacceptable.”
Akeem Further said that AEDC has subjected consumers in the area to extortionate billing, imposing outrageous charges without corresponding service delivery.
“The company’s lack of accountability and transparency has eroded public trust. Why should communities bear the financial burden of purchasing and installing electricity infrastructure, only for private companies like AEDC to reap the benefits and neglect maintenance, leaving the community stranded when equipment fails?
“In July this year, we formally notified AEDC management of this development and it took them almost a month before they visited our community, but they failed to take prompt action. Instead, they belatedly removed the faulty transformer a month later, only to leave us with radio silence.
“We therefore, respectfully request: Overhaul of AEDC management due to gross incompetence and inefficiency, Immediate replacement of the faulty transformer to restore reliable electricity supply.
“Investigation into AEDC’s billing practices to address extortionate charges, Implementation of measures to ensure accountability, transparency, and customer-centri.”
Continuing, he said: “Mr. President, we are compelled to appeal to you to direct the Honourable Minister of Power to use his good office to address the crippling electricity crisis plaguing our area, ensuring our community receives the basic services they deserve.
“While we look forward to your prompt action, we expect that management of AEDC act immediately otherwise we would be left with no choice but to take a protest to their office where we and members of our families will take refuge till power is restored in our community,” he said.
