Residents of Simawa community, Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, have expressed displeasure over the power blackout in the area which has lasted two years.
They told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the situation is affecting businesses with many traders and residents relocating from the community.
Our correspondent observed that some residents have resorted to solar power to generate electricity for their homes and shops while a few others rely on power-generating sets.
A food vendor, Emilia Alexander, lamented that she had to hike the price of food and drinks so as not to go bankrupt due to the high cost of purchasing fuel to power her business premises.
She said, “I left Lagos because of the outrageous rent and I have been in Simawa for over two years, spending more on this business due to lack of electricity. There were times I felt like closing down my shop, it has been horrible.
“I spend heavily on fuel because I use it to refrigerate my drinks for hours, even customers will still want me to switch on the generator when they patronise me.”
Another resident, Adekoya Omolara, also said, “Most people here rely on petrol and now it is expensive, making the whole thing worse. There have been low sales because of unavailability of electricity.”
The community leader, Akeem Ashaye, said the community had resorted to self-help to ensure that power is restored.
“The government is aware of the present condition of Simawa community but nothing has been done. We are still making efforts to ensure this doesn’t continue,” she said.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Busolami Tunwase, explained, “A developer is already working with the community on supply. As soon as the process is completed, work will commence.”
