By Ojonye Rachael.
Residents of North Bank in Makurdi, Benue State, are frustrated over persistent power irregularities, leaving them without reliable electricity for weeks or months. This has significantly impacted local businesses and daily life.
Mrs. Fatima Haulatu, a soft drink and sachet water seller, expressed her struggles, stating that she must travel to distant areas to purchase ice blocks, incurring additional costs. She attributed the issue to an undersized transformer, forcing residents to ration power.
“The situation has severely affected my business,” Mrs. Haulatu said. “After calculating expenses, I’m often left with minimal profit.”
Dahiru Ibrahim, a truck pusher, noted that the power irregularities have led to increased water prices, as borehole owners have raised prices from ₦300 to ₦500 per full truck, prompting truck pushers to increase their prices.
A resident of the area who preferred to be anonymous, lamented the inability to access chilled drinking water despite having the means. Residents unanimously appealed to the government for assistance, citing the escalating cost of living due to power irregularities.
The community urges authorities to address the persistent power issues, alleviating the hardships faced by residents and business owners.
