Exorbitant Bill: EEDC disconnects Estate in Umuahia

Following the persistence of residents of World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia, Abia State, in calling for a total downward review of the unprecedented over four hundred percent increase in their electricity bill for July, the, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has disconnected the estate housing thousands of residents who are mainly public servants.

The EEDC action which came on the heels of a peaceful demonstration by the group to their office on Thursday and the inability of both parties to reach a compromise after discussions is seen by residents as a direct show of power by the distribution company.

According to a reliable source, EEDC attributed the disconnection of the estate from public power supply to the refusal of residents to allow their staff carry out their function in the estate

Earlier Friday morning, residents continued their demonstration with all shops under lock and key for hours as they visited a local radio station and the NERC where they once again complained of the exploitative bill given to them.

Recall, the leader of the group Florence Kalu had during her presentation to EEDC revealed that bills were increased from below N10,000 to N47,000.

Meanwhile residents who spoke to Hanto Daily News made it clear that no amount of intimidation by EEDC will compel them to cough out such an outrageous bill, arguing that considering the current economic realities most people cannot afford it.

They therefore called on government to enjoin the distribution company to restore light to the estate and engage in a dialogue with the people on the best way to address the development.

Owners of retail shops who received the outrageous bill wondered how they will survive the situation, arguing that with the development, house rent is now cheaper than electricity bills.