By Abolaji Adebayo
Today, Monday, February 3, 2020 marks 453 days since residents of Akinbaiye community in Isolo have been in total blackout following the damage of the transformer that supplies electricity to the 100-street CDA.
The residents have cried out for the restoration of the transformer, lamenting the hardship they have been going through without light.
Since November 7, 2018, the community has faced series of socio-economic problems ranging from low economic activities and day-by-day relocation of residents.
According to the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Akinbaiye Community Development Association (CDA), Alfa Jelili Adewale (Cameroon), the blackout has had adverse effects on the community, saying traders have been moving their businesses out of the community while those who could not relocate have to battle with low patronage and as a result folding up while many tenants have also packed out of the community.
“Living in this community has been very difficult,” he lamented.
It would be recalled that ECHONEWS had reported the stand of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) on the issue when the former Manager for Isolo Undertaken Office, Engr. Eric Okoro stated that at least the sum of N3,517,906 must be paid off from the accumulated debt of the community in line with the policy of the organisation before the damaged transformer could be replaced.
Asked if the community has made further step towards reducing the debt, a community stakeholder, Prince Bashiru Farombi who doubles as Akinbaiye Coordinator for the Federal House of Representatives Member representing Oshodi-Isolo Constituency II, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson confirmed that while some houses have perfected their payment, some residents have insisted on getting the transformer before making any payment to IKEDC.
“They ask each house to pay N18,000 on their bill, some have paid while some insisted on seeing the transformer before making any payment. The debt is what we owe while our transformer was in good condition. Some houses have paid while some are not interested in contributing. This has actually made the blackout linger till this time because IKEDC insisted on the payment before the transformer is replaced. Landlords are lamenting over the rate at which people are packing out virtually every day,” he said.
He, however, confirmed that Engr. Ganiyu Johnson, having been involved and carried along, has promised to replace the transformer as he had held series of meetings with officials of IKEDC.
Speaking for Isolo LCDA chairman, Hon. Shamsudeen Olaleye who had also intervened in the issue, the Secretary to the Local Government, Emmanuel Olojede disclosed that effort being made by the council boss to replace the transformer, urging the residents to endeavour to pay up the stipulated amount for the transformer to be restored by IKEDC.
ECHONEWS found out that many surviving businesses in the community depend on Gasoline generator. It was also confirmed from an Estate Agent that due to the lingering power outage, prospective tenants rejects the offer of renting an apartment in the area.
