The Akwa Ibom Commis
sioner for Rural Development, Mr Ekong Sampson, has advised rural communities in the state to pursue their right to proper electricity billing through advocacy.
Sampson who gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Uyo said that the approach was better than outright refusal to settle bills.
The commissioner’s advice was sequel to the outrage of the people over the alleged exploitative billing of electricity consumers in the rural areas, by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
He also advised the electricity distribution company and the relevant regulatory agencies to be mindful of the consumers’ rights to enjoy the services they paid for.
Sampson, however, decried the tendency of some people to look up to government for the provision of everything without exercising their civic obligation of paying their bills.
“People do not want to pay even their taxes, but they expect government to provide everything for them.
“Government provides citizens with good roads, electricity and water through bills and taxes collected,” he said.
He said the state government was working hard to realise its dream of providing electricity in every community in the state in the next two years.
The commissioner said that in the last one year, the state government had constructed and rehabilitated 411 rural roads and provided electricity in some areas.
Sampson assured communities that had yet to benefit from the state government interventions to exercise patience, adding that it would use the resources available to it to provide social amenities in the state.
He said that the Gov. Emmanuel Udom-led administration was determined to make life in the rural communities comfortable and discourage rural-urban migration.
He advised communities in the state to take the responsibilities of maintenance and protection of such facilities.
The commissioner said that his ministry was partnering with Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria in the state to provide drinking water to rural the communities.