BEDC Set To Restore Light To Ekiti LGAs After 10 Years Of Blackout
Our heritage reporter reports that the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) has promised to commence the supply of electricity to Ayekire LCDA and Ekiti East LGA after over 10 years of power outage.
The development was part of the outcome of a tripartite meeting organised recently by the Ekiti State Government in Ado Ekiti, with representatives of BEDC and the affected communities whose kings or their representatives were in attendance.
Ekiti State’s Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, disclosed that the meeting was able to resolve outstanding grey areas as a prelude to the eventual reconnection of the area to the national grid.
The commissioner explained that the efforts of the government to restore electricity to the area were in fulfilment of Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s campaign promises and a strong indication of the commitment of the present administration to the welfare of the people.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting noted that all stakeholders were committed to the restoration of electricity to the affected areas and commended Governor Oyebanji for his efforts at ending the age-long darkness experienced by the people of the area.
Other areas of consensus reached at the meeting were the provision of post-paid metres, the constitution of a team to organise a consumer census and audit committee, as well as the settlement of electricity bills after enumeration of the houses in the affected areas.
It noted that while Gov Oyebanji’s administration would not compromise any attempt to circumvent the payment of utility bills, it urged BEDC to consider reversing the bad debts owned by the communities.
In his remarks, the Owaateju of Iro Ayeteju, Oba G.S.O. Ajayi, who spoke on behalf of other traditional rulers in the affected communities, expressed appreciation to the state government for the effort to restore light to the area.
The Regional Head of Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Mrs Moyo Akin Afuye, pledged BEDC’s readiness to work with all stakeholders to make lives worthwhile in the area.
