ASHENEWS reports that residents of the Sokoto metropolis are not happy with the current electricity situation as this has left them with losses in their businesses and socio-economic lives.
ASHENEWS visited Offa Road in Sokoto to analyse the people’s reaction towards the erratic power supply. The people complained about having electricity for five to six hours daily unlike in the past when they got electricity for over 13 hours
The residents complained that they get this number of hours of electricity after three days of darkness. They pointed out that the power is usually brought at midnight from 12 am to 8 am or from 7 am to 12 pm.
The residents lament that the inadequate electricity is having more effect on them due to the hot weather as they cannot use the fans and air conditioners this period.
A business owner on Offa Road, Stanley Daniel has experienced loss in his business where he sells cold items like water and frozen chicken. He is one of those in desperate need of power supply but he sees none.
“We used to get more than 16 hours of power in the past, but now it is only six hours or none for three days. For my business, if things are not cold, my customers will not buy. i have experienced loss regarding my chicken as it gets spoilt before it is brought. I spend ₦10,000 on fuel daily for my generator.
“I sincerely hope that the electricity is restored. It will help me save more money and recoup my investment in my business”, he stated.
Sokoto state Governor, Ahmad Aliyu asked the federal government for support on the State Independent Power Project during a meeting with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu in March. The support would enable him to solve the electricity problem in eight local governments in Sokoto state.
The Governor plans a strong partnership between the state and federal governments to improve electricity, boost industry, and create jobs.
Another resident of Offa Road, Bako Muhammad laments that the inadequate electricity has made him use the gas cooker more which he usually does not use. “I usually rely on my electric cookers. This is because gas is expensive. But these days, I fill my gas cylinder every month due to inadequate electricity.
“Electricity is needed more this period that we are fasting. It enables us to get cold drinks to break our fast with”, he said.
While everyone seems to be crying out for electricity, Dela Babangida seems unconcerned. This is because she had invested in some set of solar panels and a fan and with the help of the sunlight, her solar batteries can take her for about 16 hours.
Dela said she had to invest in solar because of the money she spent in 2023 at charging centres to charge her phones and fans. Since investing in solar energy, she does not need to worry over the inadequate electricity anymore.
She however hopes the government will finish the proposed power plant soon so everyone in Sokoto State can have reliable electricity.
