The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) says it has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board.

The reconnection was done to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas of the FCT.

The head of brand marketing and corporate communications of AEDC, Omede Odekina, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

He said this was done in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community well-being, as well as widespread concerns expressed by residents.

”The acting managing director of AEDC, Chijioke Okwuokenye, has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the FCT Water Board in order to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas of the FCT,” he said.

The company said AEDC acknowledged the concerns and the spirited appeals from residents of the FCT, following the disruption of water supply arising from the recent disconnection of electricity to the water board over unpaid electricity bills.

It said this decision underscored AEDC’s commitment to the welfare of the communities it serves and reflected the company’s belief that access to essential services must be safeguarded, particularly where public health and safety are concerned.

”AEDC wishes to clarify that the disconnection followed the accumulation of over one year of outstanding electricity debt by the FCT water board, despite several notices, engagements, and opportunities provided to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions,” he said.

According to the company, the reconnection is, however, granted on a conditional basis.

It said AEDC had formally issued the FCT Water Board a two-week timeline within which to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan to settle its outstanding electricity obligations.

”While AEDC remains open to engagement and collaborative solutions, it must be stated that failure to meet this obligation within the stipulated period will regrettably leave the company with no alternative but to reapply service disconnection, in accordance with regulatory guidelines,” he said.

AEDC reiterated that disconnection remained a measure of last resort and assured residents of its continued commitment to transparent engagement, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of sustainable electricity services in the FCT. 

(NAN)