Community Accuses IBEDC Of Extortion, Sends SOS To Gov Makinde
Olusakin Babalola,Ibadan
A passionate appeal has gone to the Oyo state government by the Adeleye Community Association near Ibadan over the protracted black out being experienced in the communities due the inability of their 200 KV transformer to carry the capacity to serve them expected electricity and regular extortion of residents by IBEDC workers.
Residents of the community which include Adeleye town,Abioye,Arije, Atta,Agunsi, and Isokan said that they needed the assistance of the state government to procure 500KV transformer because the 200 KV transformer which they have been using about 35 years ago has broken down alleging that IBEDC officials are exploiting the problem to their advantage.
Their letters sent to the state government and the management of IBEDC and others said that electricity consumers in the area have been in black out in the last few years without any assurance on when their problem would abate.
Their letters were signed by their traditional leader, Chief Morufu Ogunjumo Adeleye ,lBaale of Adeleye ,Mr.K.Adedapo,the General Secretary,Chairman Adeleye community Development Association and Mr.Olodude Michael
.They explained that due to increase in population of the areas over years ,”it becomes obvious that this current 200 KVA capacity transformer could no longer serve the increasing needs of energy consumers” adding that the IBEDC has advised them to get a bigger 500 KV transformer because the present one trips off and burn their fuses.
“We wish to inform you that efforts have been made to raise funds by the residents of the communities towards the procurement of a more powerful500KV transformer but we are constrained by economic hardship because we are mostly low income earners and artisans,they said.
They pointed out that though the past administrations promised to assist them particularly during elections,they have reneged on their promises on many occasions adding that they are optimistic of assistance from this present government.
A member of the Community who pleaded anonymity said that it was pathetic that members of IBEDC including the management are exploiting their situation alleging that extortion has become the order of the day.
” About two years ago,IBEDC collected a sum of N250,000 from the community in order to build what they called step down for this community to have constant electricity ..Alas,it was a deceit as the situation got worse.
He also alleged that in April this year,some officials of IBEDC collected over N100,000 from the communities with an assurance to give them a relief adding that it was a mirage as they have light for about two weeks after which they were thrown into darkness again
The aggrieved man queried why it should be their responsibility the consumets to instal transformer for IBEDC stressing that the government should mercifully come to their rescue without further delay.
Efforts to get the Public Relations Officer for Ibadan Zone of IBEDC were fruitless as a senior Officer denied the allegation of corruption which was levelled against their staffers.
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