By Matthew Denis
Residents of Yana Malu in Oke Foma area of Ilorin, Kwara State have bemoaned the three month black out in the community.
Pilot Business gathered that the protracted power outage in the area is as a result of faulty transformer.
When our reporter visited the area on Tuesday, it was observed that the development has crippled economic activities in the community.
Some of the residents who spoke to this medium decried the situation which, according to them has affected their socioeconomic life.
Alhaji Saidu Bello lamented that the power outage has heightened insecurity in the area.
“We have not had power supply for about five months. Some areas in our community have become hiding places for thieves, armed robbers and other criminals.
“We have approached the Baboko Business Unit and complained but they didn’t yield to our plea,” he stated.
An artisan, Bolaji Muyideen said the black out has caused set back for business owners who are dependent on power for their operations.
He added that many artisans in the area have closed shop as they could not cope with using generating set to run their businesses.
“On the average I spend about N1000 to buy fuel for my generator daily and my entire profit is going to purchase of fuel. It is really frustrating. I may have to close down my shop if i can no longer cope with the loss.
A frozen foods seller, Hajia Saheed Ajoshola said the blackout forced her to close down her shop.
Similarly, a mechanic , Mr. Musa Olanrewaju lamented that he records low patronage daily as a result of the power outage, saying it is cost intensive to run his business on generator.
On her part, a hairdresser, who identified herself simply as Safinat called on the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to come to the aid of the community.
Also speaking, Hajia Maimunat Kunle lamented that despite the power outage the residents were still being charged on electricity that was not consumed.
When our reporter contacted the Public Communication Officer of the Regional IBEDC office, Mr. Kola Asaju, he said he was unaware of the situation.
He added that the community was yet to complain to the regional office, therefore they were not aware of the blackout.
