Friday, February 29, 2008

TAMALE RESIDENTS WORRRIED ABOUT FREQUENT POWER CUTS (PAGE 29)

Story: Vincent Adedze, Tamale

RESIDENTS of the Tamale Metropolis have expressed concern over the frequent power outages in the area in recent times.
They described the situation as “unbearable” and wondered why after the recent increases in electricity tariffs, authorities had still not improved their services.
Others also blamed the Volta River Authority (VRA) for its inability to explain their actions to the public.
The residents told the Daily Graphic that the frequent power outages had damaged some of the electrical appliances in their homes, stores and offices.
Others complained about what they described as “exorbitant tariffs” being charged by the ECG, making “us the poor consumers, poorer”.
The situation has compelled some businessmen and women, as well as shop owners, to resort to the use of generators to sustain their respective businesses.
The situation has also given rise to the sale of generators by most shops in the central business district (CBD) of the metropolis.
Some sales personnel told this reporter that the business was worth venturing into and indicated that sales had picked up.
Prices of generators range from GH¢180 to GH¢600 depending on the capacity and size.
Brands of generators on the market include Honda, Tigmax and Tiger.
A businessman who deals in stationery and also operates a cold store in the metropolis stated, “I don’t mind buying and fuelling my generator for my business because it enhances my sales, even during power outages”.
Attempts to contact officials of the VRA for their comments on the situation proved futile.

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