AEDC Gives FCT Water Board Two-Week Ultimatum To Pay Accumulated Bills Or Get Disconnected

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has handed down a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board within which to come up with payment plan of outstanding indebtedness amounting to over N1 billion.

This follows reconnection of the Water Boards power supply disconnected some time ago as last resort aimed at compelling the Board to pay its debt owed over a year ago but to no avail.

However, a statement by the AEDC’s Head, Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications, Omede Odekina, at the weekend, explained that following concerns expressed by the FCT residents over lack of water supply, AEDC Managing Director, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, has ordered an immediate reconnection of power supply to the Board in order to provide water to the affected areas.

According to the statement, “The reconnection is, however, granted on a conditional basis. AEDC has formally issued the FCT Water Board a two-week timeline within which to present and begin implementing a credible payment plan towards the settlement of its outstanding electricity obligations.

“While AEDC remains open to engagement and collaborative solutions, it must be stated that failure to meet this obligation within the stipulated period will regrettably leave the company with no alternative but to reapply service disconnection, in accordance with regulatory guidelines.

“AEDC reiterates that disconnection remains a measure of last resort and assures residents of its continued commitment to transparent engagement, regulatory compliance and the delivery of sustainable electricity services in the Federal Capital Territory.”

Further, AEDC clarified that the disconnection followed the accumulation of over one year of outstanding electricity debt by the FCT Water Board, despite several notices, engagements and opportunities provided to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.

It said however, that in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community wellbeing, and following widespread concerns expressed by residents, the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, has directed the immediate reconnection of electricity supply to the FCT Water Board, in order to enable the prompt restoration of water services across affected areas of the FCT.

“This decision underscores AEDC’s commitment to the welfare of the communities it serves and reflects the company’s belief that access to essential services must be safeguarded, particularly where public health and safety are concerned”, it stated.