Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT ) have criticised the  Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC ) for the constant power outages being experienced in the territory

The residents, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, decried the poor power supply to their homes and business premises.

AEDC had, in a statement recently, attributed the drop in power supply in its franchise areas to insufficient load allocation.

The company apologised and said the insufficient load allocation had compelled the company to load shed power temporarily across different areas.

Mary Eson,  a fashion designer resident in ACO Estate on Airport Road, said the situation was bad as she had to rely on generators to operate her business.

“We don’t get electricity for a whole day. I have to depend on generators, and even to get fuel to power, it is difficult as most fuelling stations don’t sell in gallons.

“I want to appeal to the AEDC to ensure everyone benefits from the load-shedding,‘’ she said.

Fidelis Okon, a cold room owner at Lugbe Market, said the situation was terrible as they don’t get electricity often.

”The power supply has been epileptic these few weeks, unlike before when we used to have constant supply.

“My appeal to AEDC and the government is to ensure improved electricity to enable us to earn a living as we depend on power to run our businesses, ” he said.

Chichi Obi, a hair stylist residing at Galadimawa, said electricity was not too regular in her area.

She said that despite the high electricity tariff, the light was still not constant and this was a very serious challenge.

“AEDC should do something about the light situation even if they are Load-shedding light as they said, it should be done in a way that everyone can benefit from it,” she said.

Tony Onoja, a  civil servant residing at Area 2, Garki, said AEDC should ensure that they give light for at least six to eight hours every day.

According to him, this will enable everyone to benefit from the load shedding it is currently operating until the situation stabilises.

”In spite of the huge investment that the federal government has put into the power sector, Nigerians are still suffering epileptic supply,” he said.

David Okonufua, a banker residing in Kado Estate, FCT, said the light situation was terrible in his area.

”The supply of power is getting worse every day; no one knows when to expect power as AEDC brings it whenever they like.

”My appeal is that they should do everything possible to stabilise power supply,” he said.

Joseph Idoko, a printer at UTC Shopping Complex, Area 10, said the light situation was affecting his business adversely.

”I rely more on a generator to do my business and the cost of diesel is very high, I am appealing to AEDC and those concerned to save us because this is where I earn a living from, ” he said. 

(NAN)