By Kekeli K. Blamey
Adidome (V/R), Feb 4. GNA – The recent power disconnection exercise carried out by the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) at Adidome in the Central Tongu district of the Volta Region and its environs has sparked outrage among residents.
A statement issued by Mr Guggisberg Fiagbenu, Assembly Member of Adidome Central Electoral Area, said the disconnection exercise was carried out without prior notice to residents, resulting in significant inconvenience and economic hardship for many households and businesses in the area.
According to him, residents have raised several concerns regarding the disconnection exercise, including the lack of actual bills, issuance of estimated bills, insufficient communication, and misconduct by ECG staff.
Mr Fiagbenu has issued an eight-day ultimatum to the ECG to address the concerns of the residents.
The ultimatum demands that the ECG reconnects all residents, who were disconnected from the National Grid, initiates a sensitization project to educate residents on planned disconnection, and provides detailed information on measures to avert estimated bills.
Additionally, the residents are demanding that the ECG provides a clear and transparent billing system, ensures that all residents are informed of planned disconnection exercises, and takes disciplinary action against ECG staff who have misused their privileges and verbally abused residents.
Mr Fiagbenu emphasized that the residents of Adidome are seeking a prompt response and resolution to the matter and are willing to work with the ECG to find an amicable solution.
The Electricity Company of Ghana has been urged to take immediate action to address the concerns of the residents and prevent further hardship and inconvenience in the enclave.
Meanwhile, in a reaction to the press release, the Volta Regional Public Relations Officer, Ms. Eunice Tweneboah-Kodua, told the Ghana News Agency, that disconnections are normal operations to mobilise revenue and only customers, who owe were disconnected.
“We do not have planned disconnection exercise,” and urged customers not to hesitate to deal with ECG offices for prompt resolution of issues.
She said meters were read to determine actual bills but when they delay, customers would receive digital messages from ECG to prompt them of bills due for the month before hard copy follows.
“We are appealing to our cherished customers to always pay their bills to help ECG keep the lights on and to always contact our offices for their issues to be addressed.”
On the issue of staff misconduct, she entreated “customers to report staff to the office for a disciplinary action to be taken against them.”
GNA