- Edo: Blackout Temporary, we’re Addressing it, Says BEDC
The Corporate Affairs Manager of Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Mr Tayo Adekunle, has described the current power crisis rocking the state as temporary.
He said this in a statement made available to our correspondent in Benin.
The statement came on the heels of the call made by the members of Benin Indigenous People Assembly for the immediate withdrawal of the operational licence granted to the BEDC.
The group, in a statement signed by Ehiogie West-Idahosa and Orobosa Omo-Ojo, urged the Federal Government and the regulatory bodies to promptly withdraw the operational licence or, at the least, refuse to renew it, as a way to prevent the present battle with the BEDC from degenerating into anarchy.
But BEDC’s spokesman assured that the management “is doing everything possible to ensure that adequate power supply is restored in the state.”
He urged the people to exercise patience, adding that the company had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Rubitec Nigeria Limited and Rocky Mountain Institute to provide mini-grid electricity solution.
The statement added, “BEDC boss is working assiduously to resolve all challenges with a view to improving power availability to the affected areas in the state and all states under its jurisdiction.”
The group alleged that the reality on ground indicated that the BEDC lacked the capacity to distribute electricity to Edo State.
It said the BEDC was bogged down by poor and inadequate distribution system due to obsolete cables and ailing power transformers.
It further alleged that despite the abysmal service by the BEDC, the company had continued to punish its customers with arbitrary billings.
The group said, “In the circumstances, we declare our support for the call by the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, for the sacking of the BEDC because of its non-performance.
“We, the people and residents of Edo State, have noticed with utter consternation, indignation and dismay the reckless and callous abandonment of BEDC statutory mandate to provide decent and sufficient energy supply for the needs of our people.
“The BEDC has clearly failed in its duties and responsibilities to supply energy to the people and residents of Edo State. Indeed, in the last one year, Edo State has been thrown into one hell of darkness by the electricity company.
“Consequently, the state has witnessed capital flight with businesses shutting down and relocating to areas where it can find better and regular energy supply.”
