In Ukpor Community, the headquarters of Nnewi South Local Government Area in Anambra State, there was a protest due to a prolonged power outage lasting over six years. The protesters gathered at the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company office, chanting songs and holding placards with various demands. These demands included the installation of prepaid meters, the impact on small businesses, the need for students to study with proper lighting, and a call to end the darkness caused by the power outage.
The Chairman of Ukpor Electricity Consumers Committee accused the electricity company of neglecting the community for years. It was noted that the transformers were taken away for refurbishment, but only two out of five were returned, leaving the community in darkness. The protesters demanded the return of the transformers, reconnection to the 33kVA line installed in 2017, and the provision of prepaid meters.
One protester shared the adverse effects of the power outage on his sachet water production business, which had to shut down due to the lack of electricity. The EEDC Business District Manager assured the protesters that their concerns would be communicated to the company’s management for further action.
Despite the press seeking comments from the company regarding the issues raised by the protesters, particularly the removal of transformers, the EEDC representative declined to provide additional information.