Streetlight: Contractors blame vandalism, power outages for darkness in FCT
Festus Ugwegbu, legal secretary, FCT streetlights maintenance contractors, has attributed the darkness experienced in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to vandalism and power outages.
Mr Ugwegbu told journalists on Sunday in Abuja that the streetlights were properly maintained, functional and ready to shine, but for power outages and acts of vandalism.
“The major problem with streetlights in the FCT is constant power outages and load shedding by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).
“Furthermore, there is a high rate of vandalism, as mentioned, which obviously affects the total cost of contract execution.
“Otherwise, the streetlights are always active and ready to shine,” he said.
The legal secretary debunked reports in a section of the media that the darkness experienced in parts of the FCT was due to laxity on the part of the contractors.
He said despite failed appeals to the FCT administration to review their two-year contract as a result of inflation, the contractors have continued to optimally deliver on their responsibility.
“To put the record straight, the contract was awarded in August 2022, and it is expected to end by July 31, 2024, with a fixed contract rate from inception, irrespective of inflation and the hike in prices of materials and labour.
“Nevertheless, we have been delivering our assigned responsibilities despite failed appeals to the FCT for a review of the contract and price variation to reflect the effects of inflation on the cost of executing this project,” Mr Ugwegbu said.
According to him, the fact that the contractors are still being owed has not deterred them from meeting their contractual agreement.
He said the long-term solution to the issue was to have a dedicated and independent power source to power the streetlights.
“As professionals, the solution to the problem of darkness in FCT is to provide a dedicated and independent power source to serve and support the illumination of our streets.
“Steps should also be taken by the FCT administration to ensure that areas not currently under the purview of any contractor is duly awarded to an eligible contractor for maintenance and security,” he said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Faith
Ibukun Awosika advises churches to invest in Nigerian youths
Ibukun Awosika, an entrepreneur, has stressed the need to invest in youths to ensure long-term benefits for the Church and Nigeria.
Agriculture
NEDC distributes inputs to 4,200 farmers in Bauchi
One of the beneficiaries, Saidu Yana, commended the gesture and added that it would boost crop production in Bauchi.
Economy
NNPC E&P Ltd, NOSL hit first oil in OML 13 in Akwa Ibom
Mr Soneye said the production, which commenced on May 6 with 6,000 barrels of oil, would ramp up to 40,000 barrels per day by May 27, 2024.
States
Jos DisCo promises to restore power supply to Bauchi, Gombe soon
About three weeks ago, four 330kV towers were vandalised, putting the entire Gombe and parts of Bauchi in darkness.
Rights
Ijaw impoverished, balkanised, neglected by Nigerian government despite oiling nation’s economic: INC
“The Ijaws suffer a slave and stranger status in a nation where they are aboriginal and the producers of its economic mainstay,’’ said the INC leader.
Economy
Shell, other IOCs will be sued for destroying Bayelsa’s environment: Diri
‘‘I call on the minister of petroleum that we have a duty to ensure that Shell’s divestment must take care of ameliorating our environment,” said Mr Diri.
