BABATUNDE FASHOLA
BAD WEATHER TO DISRUPT POWER SUPPLY. FASHOLA TELLS NIGERIANS
Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola has told Nigerians to expect some levels of disruption in electricity supplies to their homes and offices as the rains continue to fall across the country.
Fashola, in his remarks at the June 2018 meeting of operators in Nigeria’s power sector which held in Kaduna on Monday, explained that the rainy season presented a peculiar challenge to operators in the power sector.
He said part of the challenges included frequent thunderstorms, lightening and windstorms, which could lead to vegetation or trees falling on power lines and causing power cuts to homes and offices.
The minister however said he would expect operators, mostly, the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos) to step up to the challenges, and improve on their service and maintenance of their distribution networks to minimise the expected impacts on consumers.
“In the last few months, I have used the opportunity of this meeting to focus attention of operators, Gencos, transmission company and Discos, who are the points of public interface, on the need to pay more attention to service delivery, repairs, and maintenance of equipment.
“My focus in this meeting will not be different. We are beginning a different weather season that will see more rainfall, thunderstorms, lightening and windstorms,” said Fashola.
He further stated: “All of these will affect regular supply one way or another. Trees will fall and disrupt lines, poles and lines may be damaged, and service will be disrupted.
“In all these situations, we must prepare our staff to anticipate, plan, and respond. Most importantly, we must inform the public about the problems and what we are doing to restore service whenever there are disruptions.”
He said while the rainy season benefits farmers, fishermen and others, “it is also a season of challenge for those who manage the power sector”.
SOURCE – THISDAY NEWS