PH Experiences Power Blackout …As Rainstorm Destroys Facilities

Electricity supply in Port Harcourt metropolis has worsened following the destruction of equipment belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) by last Monday’s rainstorm.
Electricity consumers in the city and its environs lamented the blackout and urged PHED authorities to take urgent steps to speed up repair work on the firm’s damaged facilities.
Chidi Amakalam, a resident of Elechi Street in Mile III, Diobu, said, “since the rain last week Monday that destroyed some electricity poles around us, there has not been supply in my area.”
According to Amakalam, the situation has increased our suffering in the area. He therefore appealed to the company to speed up the repair work.
Another consumer, Geogewill Francis, a resident of Choba, also lamented the situation saying the blackout has become a major source of worry to residents.
Francis expressed disappointment at the destruction of many electricity poles in one day saying the situation poses integrity question on the quality of poles being used by PHED.
“I learnt over 90 poles were destroyed in Port Harcourt metropolis just because of one-day rain. What happens if the rain falls for two or more days? That means hundreds of poles would be damaged.
“I really doubt if these poles are of the regulated standard. Let the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) investigate the standards of these poles for the security of the people”, he said.
It would be recalled that PHED spokesman, John Onyi said 96 poles and other associated materials belonging to the power firm were destroyed during the down pour that occurred last Monday evening. Onyi also said the situation had led to lose of supply in a number of areas in Port Harcourt metropolis. He urged consumers affected to exercise patience as the company was doing every thing possible to repair the damaged equipment and that supply would be restored as soon as work was over.

Chris Oluoh