The Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo) has openly flouted a directive from the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) to restore power at Koblimahagu in the Tamale metropolis.
The utilities regulator in 3-page document address to the Area Manager of NEDCo obtained by THE CUSTODIAN directed the electricity distribution company to engage members of the Koblimahagu community through their representatives to reach an agreement that the planned deployment of the Split Meters in the community will be carried out after the reconnection of power to ensure energy accountability.
This is also to reduce the regular presence of NEDCo officials in the community concerning meter related activities.
In addition, the PURC also directed the representatives of Koblimahagu to ensure the safety of NEDCo officials during the installation of the Split Meters and subsequent visits to carry out their official assignment in the community.
“That NEDCo should furnish the commission with a copy of the agreement”.
The Northern Regional Manager of PURC, Mr. Edward Kingstony Boduah, intimated the commission is satisfied that the above-stated conditions should necessitate the circumstances leading to the reconnection of power to Koblimahagu to prevent future attacks and threats of life and property.
However, these instructions from the regulator fell on death ears as officials of NEDCo went into the community last Friday (March 25, 2022) with armed military officers and police personnel to commence mass installation of the smart meters without any stakeholder engagement as directed by PURC.
This, some angry youth resisted capriciously resulting into a clash between residents of the community, staff of NEDCo Staff and the security.
The community insisted NEDCo should comply with agreement reached at the negotiation table.
PURC calls for calm
Meanwhile, the PURC has called for calm in the wake of the disturbance and peaceful resolution of the matter. PURC Head of Corporate Communications, Ali Simon Jarana, in a statement copied to THE CUSTODIAN over the weekend, called for calm whilst the commission takes strategic measures to address the impasse.
He noted the commission will continue to engage the relevant stakeholders including opinion leaders in the community, the management and union members of NEDCo to find a permanent solution to impasse.
“The commission is by this statement is calling on the staff of NeDCo and the residents of KOBLIMAHAGU to remain calm”.
