The Jos Electricity Distribution Company on Saturday, inaugurated two 33kV feeders, adding that it would boost the economic situation of people of Gombe South.
Speaking during the inauguration of the feeders, Managing Director of JED Abdu Mohammed, said it would rid Billiri, Kaltungo, Shongom and Kumo off epileptic power supply.
He made this disclosure in Billiri Local Government Area of Gombe State.
According to Mohammed, “No doubt, it was an open secret known to all that Billiri, Kaltungo and its neighbourhood had experienced poor power supply. And so the stabilisation of energy in the areas as a result of the construction of the substation and the two 33kV feeders will boost not only the economic development of the people but would greatly enhance their social life.”
Mohammed urged government to take advantage of the feeder by establishing businesses, “the government can establish business clusters around here which will promote industrial and socio-economic growth of the aforementioned communities, create job opportunities for the teeming population as well as increase revenue for the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.”
The JED boss commented Senator representing Gombe South Anthony Yaro for supporting the project, while soliciting the protection of facilities by immediate communities, stressed that they should endeavour to pay utility bill as at when due to encourage maintenance.
“I want to call on all the benefiting communities to endeavour to protect these facilities and others located in your environments. You should take ownership of all the electricity installations in your domain. We should not look at the project as belonging to the Transmission Company of Nigeria or that of the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc and therefore look the other way when miscreants, hoodlums or predators are decapitating them. They are your property. You should guard them jealously.
“You must take cognisance of the many years that you have grappled with either poor or lack of electricity supply in this area before this intervention that brought succor and happiness to us.
“At this juncture, it is instructive to inform you that electricity has been privatized and commercialised and therefore, it is no more a free commodity. For you to enjoy electricity, you must be able to pay for your consumed energy. That is the only way we can continue to serve you. The energy we distribute to you is procured at a huge cost. If we don’t collect,” Mohammed added.
Also, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya lauded the efforts of JED and TCN in illuminating rural communities in the state.
Yahaya who was represented by Commissioner for Energy and Minerals Resources Sanusi Pindiga, said “this will support the development drive of our administration as more businesses will be better enhanced to survive and contribute to growth of the state.”
On her part, Overseer of Billiri Local Government Area, Hauwa Ibrahim, promised to sensitise residents on bill payment, adding “I wish to appeal for the distribution of prepaid metres to users.”
Also speaking, Mai Kaltungo Engineer Saleh Mohammed, commended the inauguration of the feeder saying it would have positive influence on businesses.
