Some residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have expressed concern over the scarcity of reliable technicians to repair household appliances, calling for better training and improved professional standards.

The residents expressed their concerns in separate interviews in Abuja on Monday, attributing their frustrations to repeated faults and poor service delivery.

They said appliances such as televisions, refrigerators and washing machines often developed the same faults shortly after repairs, resulting in recurring expenses.

Grace Okafor, one of the residents, said she had repaired her refrigerator three times within four months without lasting results.

Ms Okafor, while frowning at the inconsistencies in repairs by some technicians, called for better-trained, accountable and properly equipped professionals in the sector.

She suggested that area councils such as the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) could partner with technical colleges, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and private sector players to organise short courses on modern appliance repair.

This, she said, could include inverter systems, smart devices and energy-efficient equipment, noting that certification would help distinguish trained technicians from unqualified ones.

According to her, if well planned, it will help build public trust.

”Regulatory bodies must ensure full monitoring to fish out quacks in the sector as well,’’ she said.

Similarly, Aisha Abubakar described the situation as frustrating while recounting her experience.

Ms Abubakar said that a technician who fixed her washing machine blamed power fluctuation when she returned it for repairs a second time in less than two weeks.

She added that she had to pay the same fee again after pleading that the machine was not properly fixed the first time.

She, however, said that with proper monitoring guidelines, some of the challenges could be addressed.

”When technicians are registered under local associations or councils, it becomes easier to enforce standards, track complaints, and discourage exploitative or inconsistent pricing.

”This doesn’t need to be heavy bureaucracy; just basic accountability,” she said.

James Effiong, an electronics trader, attributed the problem to the prevalence of unskilled and poorly trained technicians.

According to him, many repairers acquire skills informally without adequate technical knowledge, often resorting to substandard spare parts, which worsens outcomes.

He advised household owners to patronise certified technicians to avoid further damage to their appliances.

”We need to prioritise quality over the cheapest option; many faulty repairs stem from pressure to cut costs.

”Technology can help too; it can help to create local digital directories or applications listing verified technicians, their specialities, and customer reviews.

“This could make it easier for residents to find reliable services quickly, but also, potential clients must be willing to spend good money to acquire the best services instead of patronising quacks,” he said. 

(NAN)