The Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Engr. Yusuf Usman Yahaya has expressed concern over rising cases of default and the failure of some electricity users in the Company’s franchise to fully pay their monthly electricity bills, saying that the development is seriously threatening the ability of the Company to sustain its operations.
The Managing Director made the lamentation today in Zaria when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli in his palace.
Engr. Yahaya said that electricity users in the three Area Offices (Zaria city, Sabon Gari and Samaru) of the Company within Zaria and environs are owing the Company 17.5billion naira of outstanding electricity bills, a development he said is not only making it difficult for the Company to meet its market obligations, but is also denying the Company of needed funds for sufficient investment in network maintenance and expansion.
He said the first issue he contended with after assuming duty as Managing Director of Kaduna Electric three months ago was a notice of withdrawal of bulk power supply to the Company by the Market Operator due to huge debt owe both the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading, NBET and the Market Operator, MO.
“Since my assumption of office, our focus as a Company is to bring sustained improvement in service delivery and ensure that we meet our obligations to the market through adequate and satisfactory monthly remittance”, he said.
According to him, this can only be achieved if the customers appreciate the value of the service and become more alive to their responsibility.
Engr Yusuf Usman Yahaya commended the Emir for his exemplary leadership by ensuring that the palace is up to date in payment of its electricity bills and appealed to the revered traditional ruler to help in educating the populace on the importance of timely and full payment of electricity bills.
He noted all complaints and issues raised by the Council members and District Heads and promised to address them accordingly.
In his response, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, commended the Company for initiating the Community engagement and directed all the District Heads to pass the message to their subjects.
The Emir also suggested the revitalization of the community/Kaduna Electric Friends forum which according to him, will provide a veritable platform where both parties will be sharing ideas, discussing electricity issues of common concern and resolving areas of differences or any misunderstanding.
He promised to support the Company as”the success of the Company shall ultimately translate into improved socio-economic activities in the Emirate”.