From Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, Kano
The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has concluded plans to sensitize no fewer than 104 communities in Kano franchise areas on issues bordering on the power sector as it affects its franchise areas.
According to the management, the move is triggered by the need to carry customers along as it has been the tradition in KEDCO not to leave customers in the dark on areas that concern power sector reforms, challenges and way forward.
A Statement signed by KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Ibrahim Sani Shawai, indicated that the Company’s management has tabled issues such as Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) capping of estimated billing, the new tariff, vandalism, power theft, MAP scheme, meter by-pass, illegal connections, non-payment of bills amongst other things will be the main discourse.
Sani Shawai added thaf, “this is being done to properly sensitize our numerous customers on issues they may need better clarification and also to have a one-on-one approach to get responses from customers on areas KEDCO needs to improve upon.
“Already 11 communities have been reached out on this engagement so far but we plan to reach 93 communities before the end of this year.
“The only way to make customers see the reforms in the power sector is to go to them and explain properly.
“With this, they will know the policies of the government being introduced and how they can also be part of the reforms through active partnership in terms of paying their bills, proper reporting of complaints and attempts to vandalize KEDCO’s equipment.’’
He added that, in his message, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of KEDCO, Dr. Jamil Isyaku Gwamna said engaging communities was an idea birth by the company to strengthen the KEDCO-customers relations and to bring everyone together on the same page.
“Unity of ideas is very key in business as it is capable of making all partners play their roles effortlessly. We have this tradition of informing our customers on the reforms that are on-going either by the Federal Government or KEDCO, the benefits of protecting KEDCO’s installations, while reporting issues that could sabotage our efforts.
“Our customers and communities are not our enemies and this is how we let them know through engagement and sensitization. Once they are well-informed, paying bills will be easier to do while assault on staff will also reduce.
“Our customers deserve better services but the truth is without their supports we may have serious challenges. KEDCO alone cannot bring the desired change or sustain all achievements. A simple act of regular paying of bills to 100 per cent level and being vigilant to report activities of vandals can really go a long way.’’
The Kano DisCo boss called on customers to always support policies and reforms of the Federal Government by showing more understanding as well as carrying out their responsibilities to KEDCO through prompt payments of electricity bills in order to get better service delivery.
