PHEDC Laments Vandalism Of Power Facilities In Port Harcourt

As the federal government continues to protect assets of ministries, departments and agencies across the country, the Senior Commercial Manager of Harcourt Road, Ibeto and Old GRA of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC)), Comrade Joel Emeka, has warned against the vandalism of the company’s property and assets.
Comrade Emeka gave this warning during the week in a chat with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the issue of vandalism has given the company serious concern. “In fact, within my area of distribution and operation within two-weeks we have lost five transformers due to vandalism. This affects our customers and revenue. Therefore, I want to warn those undesirable elements who are responsible for this act to desist from it.”
He stated that one of the ways to stop this act was for stakeholders and customers to report those who are behind it.
“Among stakeholders and customers who benefit from our services, my advice to them is if you see something, say something. When you see men with unbranded uniform around your vicinity at odd hours, raise alarm or report them to the appropriate quarters.”
Comrade Joel pointed out that there has been collaboration between officials of PHEDC and its customers, pointing out that in recent times they have constituted a liaison committee which overseers the affairs of each community in terms of transformer protection.
Comrade Joel explained that under his area of distribution and jurisdiction they render power supply four to five hours per day, adding that power supply is a national issue and it is always distributed nationally and evenly.
On the income generated by PHEDC, Comrade Joel had this to say: “We collect or receive the money and remit it to Central Bank. So, the issue of misappropriation or corruption does not arise.”
The manager stated that the relationship between officials of PHEDC in Old GRA and Harbour Road area have been cordial and smooth.
“The relationship between the officials or staff of PHEDC and customers under the area of our distribution has been cordial and robust. On our part, the most important thing is being honest to the customers at all time. However, I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our customers to report any damaged transformer so that we can fix it. Besides, I want to advise our customers that before you go out from your homes turn off all your electrical appliances at homes because you don’t know when fire may start.
“Again, when you have a damaged conductor at homes try to fix it,” Comrade Joel urged.
PHEDC had in April increased its tariff from 68 percent to about 300 percent.