Tension and uneasy calm have gradually taken control of most communities and towns in Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta local government areas over continuous power outage from public power supply.
Imo Weekend Trumpeta learnt that the various communities that make up the two councils are witnessing disaffection following reports that the state government interventionist agency, the Imo state. The youths, women and members of the public in the affected areas are reportedly mobilizing to protest the denial of public power supply to the communities on the pretext that ISOPADEC has not paid their accumulated debts to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN.
The blackout which has not occurred for some years since ISOPADEC took over payment of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta electricity bills has grounded commercial and business activities in the areas.
It would be recalled that as part of its interventionist programme, ISOPADEC took over the payment of the Bills in 2009. However, the handling of the Bill has suffered several set-backs since the present administration came into power leading to epileptic power supply.
Most of the residents of the area who spoke to our reporter disclosed that the action of ISOPADEC is in contrast to the continued promise by Owelle Rochas Okorocha that it would cater for the needs of oil producing communities of the state in his Rescue Mission agenda.
When contacted on phone for reaction, the Managing Director, Dr Henry Okafor claimed that ISOPADEC has been complying with expected obligation in the bargain to supply power to Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta communities. According to the Special Adviser to the MD on Project Implementation and Monitoring, Ben Ikpeama, ISOPADEC should not be blamed as it has fulfilled its own obligation in the matter.
“I have talked to Engr Anyaeme, the man in charge of Onitsha route to Ogbaku, and Oguta and he said that PHCN is working on the line due to a major fault. The same can be said about the PortHarcourt Road that leads to Mgbirichi-Umuagwo and other Ohaji towns. There is a major breakdown though I have scheduled to meet the Owerri Business Manager to rectify the situation”, Ikpeama explained.
But the story was different when Trumpeta called at PHCN office in New Owerri. Though, the Business Manager was not on seat, but a senior manager in-charge of the PortHarcourt Road line that leads to Ohaji/Egbema communities disclosed that huge debt on the part of ISOPADEC forced PHCN to open the PH Road line from Obinze.
The PHCN official who does not want his name in print said that their men have been going to ISOPADEC office for payment but to no avail prompting the company to throw the area into darkness.
“They are economical with the truth if they claim that ISOPADEC is not indebted to PHCN. We have been going there. What the MD tells us is to come today, come tomorrow without a positive result. Though I pity the people of Ohaji, but the commission must pay before we re-energize their lines. We have the data of ISOPADEC debt and number of transformers for accountability”, the source added.
