By Sylvia Tochukwu-Ngige
Prolonged electricity blackout in Isuaniocha and the adjoining Okpuno community has forced residents, particularly women entrepreneurs, to record significant losses due to the failure of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to provide stable power supply.
Mrs. Ebere Nwafor, who runs a frozen food business in Isuaniocha, said she has depended on a generator for over a month, incurring daily fuel costs of N15,000. She added that EEDC continues to issue estimated bills despite the absence of electricity supply.
She disclosed that her freezer defrosted twice, leading to the loss of goods valued at N62,000. Within three weeks, her cumulative losses amounted to N271,300, against a March profit of only N38,000. “I operated for 31 days and ended with a loss of N233,300. Who is this country really for?” she asked.
At Eke-Agba market, Mrs. Theresa Mba, also known as Mama Nkechi, said she has discontinued her zobo drink business following repeated product spoilage caused by lack of refrigeration. She has since returned to farming and withdrawn her four children from school due to inability to pay their fees.
Mr. Jerome Ikechi, a barber in the community, stated that he has closed his shop because his equipment requires electricity to function. He noted that his wife is expected to deliver in a month, while a hospital bill of N180,000 remains unsettled.
Point-of-sale (POS) operators in the area also reported recurring transaction failures linked to poor electricity and network services, resulting in reduced earnings.
Residents observed that while neighbouring Agu Awka enjoys stable power supply, Isuaniocha remains in darkness. They said complaints to EEDC are often met with advice to procure solar systems. Nwafor explained that a solar installation would cost approximately N1.2 million, which exceeds her total business capital of N400,000.
Community members further noted that the blackout has exacerbated water scarcity, heightened insecurity on unlit streets, and placed greater strain on women whose businesses including salons, tailoring shops, and cold rooms are heavily dependent on electricity. “EEDC’s failure is not only cutting power. It is cutting off income, safety, dignity, and peace of mind,” a resident said.
Sylvia is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
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