GOVTS , POWER COMPANIES TOLD TO PRIORITIZE POWER SECTOR

Enugu mapLow electricity generation, poor transmission and it’s irregular supply are bottlenecks which the Federal Government must address for accelerated and sustained economic growth. These were the submissions of the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Chinyere Okunna while contributing to Media Link, a Radio Nigeria Enugu Live Interactive Programme.

Professor Okunna, a former Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Millennium Development Goals in Anambra State, explained that improved electricity supply would ensure that youth empowerment programmes such as the on-going intafact AB in Bev, Multi Million Naira non-refundable loan to unemployed graduates for their start up business, would record more successes.

Another guest on the programme and industrialist, Chief Damian Ozoani said that the country was yet to get it right in the power sector despite the huge investment made in this critical sector. Chief Ozoani called on governments and the power companies to draw a road map that would re-position this important sector, as the cost of running alternative power supply was taking its toll on local businesses.

Also contributing to the programme, the Director, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Professor Steven Dike while acknowledging hardship and losses people incur due to poor electricity supply, promised that the company was working assiduously to improve the situation.

Professor Dike made  demands for more electricity points to be delivered to them as the company could only distribute the electricity load supplied and generated by the power generating and transmission companies. Professor Dike explained that the company was losing two billion naira every month to meter by passing, non-payment and other corrupt practices by customers.

Callers on the programme urged the power companies to re-double their efforts in the distribution of pre paid meters and transformers to households, companies and streets. They equally want the federal government to review their policies in the power sector, to attract more key investors and ensure productivity and service.

 

OBINNA OGBUKA

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