RSG Moves To Recover Electricity Bills From Workers

Apparently moved by
the allegations by power distribution companies in the country, that government remains one of the highest debtors due to its unwillingness to pay for electricity bill, the Rivers State Government has taken steps to ensure that officials of the government living in public quarters pay their bills.
A circular from the office of the Rivers State Head of Service has been sent to permanent secretaries, heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) mandating all occupiers of government quarters to settle all their outstanding electricity bills.
“Henceforth, occupants of government quarters will be required to show evidence of regular payment of electricity bills during inspections by officers from the housing unit of the office of head of service”, said the circular.
According to the circular No A.770/Vol.1/341 which had been pasted in all the government offices in the state, debtors have been warned that outstanding debts would be recovered from salaries or pension allowances of serving civil servants and pensioners respectively.
The Head, Corporate Communications of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), Mr. Iboma Jonah, and authorities of other DISCOS in the country had alleged that government is one of the highest debtors and that such huge debts were affecting efficient operations of the companies.
He had appealed that government should set a good example by ensuring regular payment of bills enjoyed by officials concerned.

Chris Oluoh