The Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc. (AEDC) has reconnected the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board following the earlier disconnection over unpaid electricity bills.
This was announced in a statement on Saturday by the Head, Brand Marketing & Corporate Communications, AEDC, Omede Odekina.
He explained that the Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye, 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.
According to Odekina, the Water Board was disconnected over accumulation of over one year outstanding electricity debt, after several notices, engagements and opportunities provided to regularise the account, in line with applicable regulatory provisions.
However, he said the reconnection was in recognition of the critical importance of water supply to public health and community wellbeing, and following widespread concerns expressed by residents.
He said the 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.
Nevertheless, he said the reconnection was granted on a conditional basis, adding that the AEDC 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.
He said while the 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.
The company reiterated 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.
