By Nse Anthony-Uko
ABUJA, (Sundiata Post) — In a bid to meet up with its metering targets, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on Friday signed a N2.4bilion Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an indigenous meter manufacturing company, MOJEC Nig. Ltd, for the procurement of 60, 000 meters.
Speaking at the contract signing ceremony in Abuja, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of AEDC Plc, Engr Ernest Mupwaya put the contract sum at N2.4 billion for 48, 000 Single Phase meters and 12, 000 Three Phase meters, adding that by signing the pact, AEDC would have made provision for 90, 000 meters for 2017, having procured 30, 000 already for supply.
According to AEDC, the procurement and installation of the meters would be concluded before the end of 2017, in line with its yearly target of 120, 000 meters, while about 88, 000 meters had been installed before now.
Engr. Mupwaya said, “These meters will be deployed to areas where we have carried out enumeration, which is a prelude to metering. We therefore, appeal to customers to avoid bypassing of meters as this will amount to wasting of the investment as well as create a danger for the entire privatisation programme.”
Rolling out advantages of metering plan, he said: “distribution companies will be able to reduce the losses incurred through under-billing and theft of energy by some anti-social elements and bring transparency to the billing process thereby increasing customer confidence and willingness to pay.
The MD who reiterated that meters are free of charge enjoined customers not to pay for meters, and should not forget to report staff asking them to pay for meters.
Also speaking, the Chairman, MOJEC Company, Mrs Mojisola Abdul said, the company has the capacity to produce 100, 000 meters per month and one (1) million meters yearly.
She thanked the Management of AEDC for patronising a local manufacturing company, assuring AEDC of quality service delivery.
Mrs Abdul who said MOJEC is set to create employment for Nigerians, urge government to set aside cheaper funds to encourage meter manufacturers in the country.