Residents of Obosi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State have appealed for urgent intervention following the destruction of critical electricity infrastructure by a recent rainstorm.
The heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, reportedly brought down electric poles, snapped high-tension wires, and damaged the Eke Obosi transformer, leaving the community without electricity for several weeks.
The prolonged blackout has adversely affected economic activities in the area, with artisans and small business owners forced to either suspend operations or rely heavily on generators to stay afloat.
Speaking on the situation, a hairdresser, Mrs. Amaka Ude, lamented the financial burden imposed by the outage.
“I have spent a fortune buying fuel for my generator since the light went off. Before now, we barely enjoyed steady power. Now it’s complete darkness at night,” she said.
Community leaders have also expressed concern over the security implications of the persistent blackout.
The President of Ire Village, Obosi, Mr. De Gaulle Offor, described electricity as a necessity for both economic development and public safety.
“Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury. It boosts economic activities. Criminal elements operate under the cover of darkness. There is a direct link between lack of power and rising crime in any town. I am urging EEDC workers to repair the damaged installations in Obosi quickly,” he stated.
Also speaking, community leader Nze Isaac Ejindu accused the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) of neglecting the community for years.
“Even before these installations were damaged, Obosi never enjoyed uninterrupted electricity supply. We are used to darkness at night. EEDC must turn a new leaf. They should repair the damaged installations speedily and restore power to our town,” he said.
Residents further disclosed that some prominent indigenes aspiring for elective positions have contributed funds to support repair efforts. However, they noted that technicians from EEDC are yet to complete the necessary work to restore electricity to the community.
The residents have therefore appealed to EEDC and relevant government authorities to expedite repairs and reconnect the town to the national grid to alleviate the hardship being experienced by households and businesses.
