The Anambra state government under the Chukwuma Soludo administration opened discussions over a pending N900 million debt with streetlight contractors following recent protests.
The aggrieved contractors supplied diesel for street lights in the state in February 2022, long before Soludo entered office. The contractors, who are primarily members of the ruling APGA Party, embarked on a peaceful protest at the Government House in Awka, demanding a quick review and disbursal of the money owed to them by the state.
Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo, addressed the protesters, thanking them for keeping their protest peaceful and organized.
“I want to assure you that your concerns have been heard. Mr Governor is committed to resolving this issue. Your matter has moved to another table for attention, from the last time you visited.
“We will resolve this case amicably after a review. The fact that some of you have been paid shows that the process is on,” Ezeajughi said.
He asked contractors to form a three-man committee for a follow-up meeting to review and address the issues.
Speaking on behalf of the Contractors, Hon. Nnaemeka Oraka explained that they were worried about what was deemed a selective payment to the contractors. He reiterated that only seven contractors out of the 72 contractors of the project were paid, raising suspicion of preferential treatment.
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“We are 72 contractors, but only seven have been paid. We don’t understand the criteria for this selective payment. We followed due process and executed legitimate jobs for the government, yet we have been abandoned.
“We funded these supplies from our pockets. It was like giving the government a loan. We have families, we owe banks, and some of us have lost everything. Some of our members have even died due to the stress.” Oraka said.
The spokesman for the contractors stressed that they will continue to mount pressure on the government till the debt is paid, despite their support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s re-election.
What to Know
- Diesel supply for street light businesses in Nigeria is critical due to unreliable grid power and the need to power the streetlights at night.
- Suppliers like Enx Energy deliver NNPC-standard diesel to power generators for street lighting. The business’s profitability is challenged by High demand, fluctuating prices, and transportation costs, insisting that the company deal with capable hands as suppliers.
- Major roads in Anambra are now paved with Solar street lights as an alternative to diesel-powered ones. However, major highways that pose a substantial risk to motorists still run with diesel-powered street lights for greater reliability and efficiency.
