Key Takeaways
- The power outage in FESTAC Town and neighbouring communities is caused by ongoing transmission upgrades and vandalism of underground electricity cables.
- Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP) has completed and commissioned the FESTAC 3 feeder to provide an alternative source of power.
- The company has escalated the vandalism crisis to the Lagos State Police Command, with arrests already made and suspects in custody.
The prolonged power outage affecting FESTAC Town, Amuwo Odofin, and neighbouring communities has been attributed to ongoing transmission upgrades and persistent vandalism of underground electricity cables, according to Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (EKEDP). In a recent statement, the General Manager, Corporate Communications, EKEDP, Abiola Aloba, explained that the supply disruption was mainly caused by improvement works at the national transmission level, which was worsened by repeated cable vandalism.
Aloba noted that the FESTAC axis regrettably records the highest incidence of underground cable vandalism across the EKEDP network. To address the issue, the company has taken steps to improve electricity supply, including the completion and commissioning of the FESTAC 3 feeder, which will provide an alternative source of power from the Ojo Transmission Station. Additionally, supply on the FESTAC 1 33kV feeder has been partially restored after engineers isolated a faulty underground cable.
Investments and Security Measures
EKEDP has invested hundreds of millions of naira in the FESTAC network to improve electricity supply and strengthen infrastructure. The company has also escalated the vandalism crisis to the Lagos State Police Command, with arrests already made and suspects in custody. Aloba stated that the company's door remains open to every resident and recognised community body through established channels, and appealed for calm and lawful engagements.
The development comes amid growing concerns among residents and businesses over the prolonged blackout in FESTAC, Amuwo Odofin, and adjoining communities. EKEDP has continued to engage residents, community leaders, and local government to address the situation, and has reaffirmed its commitment to restoring and sustaining improved electricity supply to the affected areas.
Why This Matters
The restoration of stable power supply to FESTAC Town and neighbouring communities is crucial for the economic and social well-being of residents and businesses. The efforts of EKEDP to address the issue and provide updates on restoration efforts are essential in maintaining trust and cooperation between the company and the community.