Gas supply disruption affects Aba Power, 9 LGAs in blackout
Joseph Irikefe
Power supply has been disrupted in parts of the nine the Local Government Areas in Abia State serviced by Aba Power Limited, it has been learnt.
The problem began late last week and may continue till the end of Monday.
The disruption is a result of what an insider at NNPC Limited called gas logistics issues. The engineer did not however explain the nature of gas issues.
However, it is understood that the gas issues have to do with the ongoing repairs of a gas pipeline in Rivers State.
“We swung into action immediately we received a status report on the valve because we understand the very delicate nature of the rupture, apart from the fact that we don’t want the people of Aba, a major industrial and commercial city, to be without power for long”, the NNPCL engineer explained.
Sources at Aba Power said that many parts of the Aba Ring-fenced Area still receive electricity because the distribution company “is now importing power from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)”.
The sources stated that “Aba Power is paying an unbelievable amount, over N2 billion, for only 25 megawatts just to ensure that Aba people run their business as much as possible”.
The sources did not state with certainty when the repairs would be concluded, but it is most likely to be “anytime from now because of the immense pressure from” from the Geometric Power Group, which owns Aba Power.
The communication consultant to Aba Power Limited, C. Don Adinuba said that he had just landed in Lagos and had not been briefed on new developments in the office or in the field. He referred enquiries to the acting Managing Director, Ugo Opiegbe, who was not available to speak before press time.
“I am in the church. Please, call back later”, he said on the phone.
He gave the same reply an hour later.