Residents of Quarters Ward in Gwagwalada and its surrounding areas have voiced their frustration over the persistent issue of epileptic power supply and the untimely distribution of electricity. The community, which has been grappling with erratic power supply for years, is calling for urgent intervention from the authorities (AEDC).
For many residents, the unreliable power supply has disrupted daily life and economic activities. Businesses that rely on electricity, such as barbershops, cyber cafes, and small-scale industries, are particularly hard-hit. “We can hardly go a day without using our generators to power our shops and stores, which claims almost 45% of profit made everyday,” said Chinedu Okafor, a shop owner in the area. “It’s affecting our businesses and livelihoods. We spend more on fuel for generators than we make in profit.”
Households are equally affected, with frequent blackouts causing inconvenience and discomfort. Residents often have to endure long hours of darkness, making it difficult for students to study and for families to carry out routine activities. “My children can’t do their homework in the evenings because there’s no light,” lamented Mrs. Aisha Umar, a mother of three. “Imagine getting 12 hours of supply a day, 6 hours at the dead of the night or early hours of the morning, then the remaining 6 hours when we are at work or the kids are at school”. The poor timing is a major concern for the residents in the area.
Despite numerous complaints to the power distribution company and local authorities, residents say little has been done to address the issue. They are calling for a more reliable and timely electricity supply to improve their quality of life and boost economic activities in the area.
As the community awaits tangible results, the call for reliable electricity supply in Quarters Ward and its environs continues to grow louder, with residents united in their demand for better living conditions and a brighter future.