Diobu Community Laments Epileptic Power

Residents of Umuelechi
community in Mile III, Diobu, Port Harcourt have appealed to authorities of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to take action towards ending the epileptic power supply in the area.
According to some of the residents who spoke to The Tide over the weekend, for over one year, supply has remained poor in the area compared to what obtains in other parts of Port Harcourt.
Christopher Amaele, a resident of the area said, “we get light not up to two hours in a week and this has been the situation of power supply in the area for over one year now.”
“We have made several presentations to the Diobu Business Centre of PHED and each time we meet them, they always promise to do something but till as I am talking to you, the problem has remained the same,” Amaele said.
Chief Nelson Columbus, a business man who operates in the area said, our case here with power supply appears to be even above PHED. I have two shops in the area but I tell you, I spend so much to provide alternative supply to my business shops.”
Columbus regretted that even when he spends so much on alternative supply, the power bills had remained high and appealed to PHED to come to their plight and improve supply in the area.
Also speaking, Madam Ekenma Juliet, a Hair Salon Operator in the community said she plans to relocate away from the area solely because of electricity supply.
She also complained that much of the profit she makes in her business is being spent on fuel to power her generator because of poor public power supply.
“The most annoying aspect of it is that even when the neighbouring communities and streets have light, this Umuelechi community would not, and I have wondered why the situation is different. The PHED appear not to consider us here as their customers except when it comes to payment of bills. Honestly, I don’t plan to remain here till next year February,” she said.
She said the only thing that will stop her from packing out is when the power situation improves before then.
When The Tide went to the Business Manager’s office at Diobu Business Unit for their comments, he was said to have gone to the field.

Chris Oluoh