For over five years now, the residents of Kete-Krachi in the Oti Region have been grappling with severe and persistent power outages, a situation that demands urgent attention.
These outages have not only disrupted their daily lives but also severely impacted their economic activities.
Local businesses such as shops and restaurants are bearing the brunt of this crisis, with many forced to rely on generators or even shut down.
The situation has escalated to a critical point, with the Karachi Municipal Government Hospital contemplating the closure of its mortuary and other essential services if the power outages persist. Both residents and business owners are voicing their frustrations, citing significant financial losses and operational challenges caused by the ongoing electricity disruptions. The plight of these local businesses, struggling to stay afloat, is a stark reminder of the severity of the situation.
Nusienyo Adzoyi, a fruit seller, highlighted the impact on her business, noting the need for refrigeration to preserve perishable goods. She lamented, “Most of my fruits need to be refrigerated, and the power outages have significantly affected my business.”
Similarly, a local fashion designer expressed how the outages have crippled productivity, saying, “I have had to rely solely on my hand sewing machine, which is not fast enough to meet our daily targets. Before the outages, we could sew over ten outfits daily, but now we struggle to reach five.”
Despite numerous complaints to the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), residents report that the situation has not improved. However, the community is not giving up. Frustrated youth in the area have taken to the streets in demonstrations, demanding immediate action to ensure a consistent power supply. Their resilience and determination are a beacon of hope in this challenging situation.
Nana Mprah Besemuna of the Krachi Traditional Council echoed community concerns, emphasizing the detrimental effect of the outages on the local economy. “Businesses are struggling to operate effectively due to the lack of reliable electricity,” he stated, calling on the government to urgently intervene and implement a sustainable solution. If the situation persists, it could lead to a significant decline in the local economy and a loss of livelihood for many residents.
The situation in Kete-Krachi highlights the urgent need for infrastructure improvements and effective electricity supply management to support economic growth and community livelihoods in the Oti Region.
