How Erratic Power Supply in Ipetu Ijesa Is Stifling Progress and Fueling Insecurity: Recommended Solutions
By Tope John Fakinlede
Ipetu Ijesa has long been plagued by erratic power supply, a problem that dates back to when the community was served by Akure’s NEPA in Ondo State. NEPA frequently blamed fallen trees for power outages, resulting in prolonged blackouts that sometimes lasted up to eight weeks. This persistent issue forced Ipetu Ijesa to settle its debts with Akure and reconnect with Ilesa in Osun State.
Despite the switch to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), the situation has not improved. The same problems persist, with frequent power cuts attributed to fallen trees and damaged poles claims by IBEDC Staffs. Resident are faced with high electricity bills, despite epileptic power supply, power supply do not guarantee timely repairs or reliable service, and outages often occur after even minor rainfall, sons and daughters of ipetu ijesa can’t brag of steady power supply to their friends whenever they come home for celebration. Additionally, because Ipetu Ijesa lacks its own step-down transformer, the community frequently suffers from power cuts whenever the step-down transformer in Erin Oke, which serves multiple areas, is used to disconnect power to Ipetu Ijesa. This occurs even when Erin Oke has power, leaving Ipetu Ijesa in the dark.
The impact on local businesses and the economy has been severe. Many enterprises have shut down due to the high cost of fuel which is the remedy to it because of the unreliable power supply, leading to increased theft and insecurity in the community. The frequent blackouts make Ipetu Ijesa resemble a town under military curfew or ritual restrictions of Yoruba ritual ‘Oro’, where streets empty out before nightfall and the community feels increasingly unsafe. This instability makes Ipetu Ijesa less attractive to investors and stifles economic growth.
Efforts to address the issue have been made, including those by Baba Umaru, who meticulously recorded power outages and collaborated with local leaders and students to protest against the poor service. However, these measures have not resolved the ongoing problems.
To address the erratic power supply and its repercussions, several solutions are recommended:
– Funding a new step-down transformer: Relocate the transformer to a more accessible location within Ipetu Ijesa to prevent reliance on Erin Oke’s power Step down and reduce frequent disconnections.
– Establishing a monitoring committee: Implement a committee that will work with IBEDC staffs to ensure timely repairs and address power issues swiftly.
– Clearing vegetation: Regularly cut trees and bushes that could damage power lines.
– Demanding prepaid meters: To control and manage high electricity bills more effectively.
– Upgrading equipment: Invest in modern equipment, either by IBEDC or through community initiatives, for quick replacements.
– Securing transformer sites: Enhance security at transformer locations to prevent theft of equipment.
– Progress dialogue with IBEDC: Engage in ongoing discussions with the IBEDC headquarters manager to secure regular power supply and address service issues directly.
– Utilizing Aropeju Day funds: The Aropeju Day committee should allocate a portion of the income generated from the annual celebration to contribute towards the running costs of power supply improvements.
Though all these supposed to be provided by IBEDC, but the situation of things in our country demand Community intervention in having stable and quality power supply, by implementing these measures, Ipetu Ijesa can work towards achieving a more stable power supply, improving economic conditions, and enhancing community safety.
