By Betty Luke
Residents and traders operating within Waso stretch in Isiolo’s Bulapesa Ward are a disappointed lot after a power transformer was vandalized last week leaving them in total darkness.
The residents are now grappling with high cases of insecurity and losses for traders who require electricity supply to preserve perishable commodities.
“We are forced to close businesses immediately when darkness sets in for fear of being attacked by criminals who are taking advantage of the darkness to rob people,” said Ms Jane Karimi who operates a shop within the area.
According to Lucy Kimathi, a salonist, businesses had recorded losses in the past few days and that some families could no longer afford basic needs.
“Some of our businesses fully depend on electricity. We cannot plait hair without washing and straightening it. This requires electricity. I can hardly make a quarter of what I make from business on a normal day,” she noted.
Another resident Frank Kirera said it was unfortunate that the Kenya Power and Lightening Company (KPLC) was taking too long to rectify issue.
“It is sad that KPLC is not able to replace the transformer immediately, which is promoting insecurity. We have so far lost a lot including food stored in the fridges at home,” he told The Press Point.
Area MCA David Waithaka called on the power company to expedite the replacement to alleviate the suffering the residents were going through.
“We appeal to the power distributor to ensure the matter is sorted out immediately,” he said.
KPLC county Manager Alex Wachira said the issue could take some time as there was no transformer readily available for replacement.
He however said that the company had already placed an order and that once available, the transformer would be installed withing 24 hours.
The official lamented that the company was losing an average of Sh60,000 daily revenue following the vandalism.
“I am here to assure our customers of 24-hour electricity supply and have no reason to deny anyone power access,” noted Mr Wachira.
He revealed that the company would spend about Sh2 million in the replacement.
