The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EEDC)says it records cases of vandalized substations almost on a daily basis.
It also said that most of stations have been vandalized multiple times, thereby leaving the company in continuous replacement of vandalized parts of these equipment.
Spokesman of EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed this at a press conference in Enugu on Thursday, also lamented that vandals have taken advantage of the poor power generation experienced across the sector, which has direct impact on EEDC’s daily energy allocation, and supply availability to its customers.
“We are spending millions of Naira fixing these vandalized substations, and with our current financial position, this is no longer sustainable”
“Customers are therefore encouraged to be more vigilant in ensuring that electricity installations cited within their neighborhood are protected against attack, and not allow themselves to be thrown into darkness and discomfort by these criminal elements in the society.
He recounted that over the weekend, a suspected vandal identified as Nnanna Uyamudu was arrested by men of Oyi Police Division who were on patrol.
The vandal,who was apprehended along Airport Road, was in possession of a large quantity of coated aluminum conductor as exhibit recovered from the vandalism carried out along Ukpor junction, Anambra State,he added.
He added that some weeks ago, at Umuanwu Umuodo, Isiala North Local Government Area, a vandal suspect identified as Ikenna Obimba, was arrested by the villagers for vandalizing EEDC installation in the area.
Besides,three vandals; Chinonso Ogu, Ifeanyi Nnachi and Ibiam Amah, were apprehended by some members of the Electricity Committee of the town for attacking a 500KVA distribution substation belonging to EEDC at Owerri, Imo State.
He disclosed that the suspects were all handed over to the respective Police Commands for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Ezeh implored the company’s customers who have been expressing concern over the drop in supply availability that once power generation improves, it will impact on their availability.
