From David Onuoja, Abuja
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), PLC, has acknowledged the concerns and spirited appeals from residents of the Federal Capital Territory, following the disruption of water supply due to non payments of electricity bills by FCT Water Board.
In a statement issued and signed by the Head, Brand Marketing and Corporate Communications, Abuja Electricity Distribution, Mr Omede Odekina, said the disconnection was followed by the accumulation of over one year outstanding electricity debt by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities provided for them to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.
The Distribution Company however, said “in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community wellbeing, and following widespread concerns expressed by residents, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the FCT Water Board, in order to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas in the FCT.
This decision, it said, underscores AEDC’s commitment to the welfare of the communities it serves and reflects the company’s belief that access to essential services must be safeguarded, particularly where public health and safety are concerned.
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However, the reconnection would be done on a condition that FCT Water Board do the needful. It equally issued a formal two weeks ultimatum to the Water Board within which to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan towards the settlement of its outstanding electricity obligations, it said.
The statement added that, while AEDC remains open to engagement and collaborative solutions, it must be stated that failure to meet this obligation within the stipulated period will regrettably leave the company with no alternative but to reapply service disconnection, in accordance with the regulatory guidelines.
It therefore, reiterated that disconnection remains a measure of last resort and assures residents of its continued commitment to transparent engagement, regulatory compliance and the delivery of sustainable electricity services in the Federal Capital Territory.
