By Olisemeka Sony
Wild jubilation erupted at Umuoba Anam, Otuocha, Anambra East Local government area of Anambra state on Tuesday as the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) restore power supply to the community after five years of blackout.
The development, Anambra daily gathered, follows resolution of the protracted dispute over unpaid bills between the community and the power firm. It was further gathered that the imbroglio was resolved courtesy of the Transition Committee Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Dr. Anselm Onuorah.
A source privy to the matter, said: “Everybody is happy now because for the past three to five years, residents of Umuoba Anam has been without power due to unresolved bill issues we had with the EEDC.
“It’s a thing of joy that the TC Chairman who promised on assumption of office last year to tackle the matter, has eventually settled it and we can now enjoy light like our neighborimg communities”, she adds.
Mr. Onuorah, told ABS, that he appreciated everybody who worked for the smooth resolution of the matter and urged residents of the community to ensure adequate protection of EEDC facilities.
Stressing that electricity was very critical to the economic development and growth of any society and as such, should not be toyed with, the Anambra East TC Boss charged electricity consumers in the community to always pay their bills.
He assured that he will continue to implement Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s people-oriented policies and programmes in the local government area.
Onuorah further revealed that efforts are on for residents of the community to transit from estimated billing to the use of prepaid metres for efficiency in the system, and appealed to those saddled with the responsibilities of collecting electric bills for now to do that with transparency and honesty in order to gain people’s trust.
The Councilor representing Umuoba Anam Ward, Mr. Nonso Anizor also expressed joy over the return of electric power to the community and thanked Dr. Onuorah for his doggedness.
For the President General, Umuoba Anam Development Union, Chief Victor Morba, the joy of the people of the community knew no bonds on having electric power supply once again after a long time.
Chief Morba who commended Dr. Onuorah for his instrumentality in ensuring that they are reconnected to the national grid again, urged his people to always pay their bills as at when due, as well as keep supporting the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo.