A life without light: The struggle for reliable electricity in my Area.

This question could have been more than **just one** because there is more than one infrastructure that has been a thing of concern to us and the government failed to do the needful. However, one is required to mention and I will pick the most concern. Generally, **electricity** is a serious issue that requires urgent attention in my dear country but I think it affects some parts of the country to some areas in the country. The absence of **reliable electricity infrastructure** in my locality has been a longstanding issue that has wreaked havoc on our daily lives. It's astonishing that in this modern era, we still struggle to access a basic necessity like electricity. The government's failure to provide a steady power supply has far-reaching consequences, affecting not only households but also businesses, healthcare, schools, and the overall economy.

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In our locality, we've been without electricity for the past three months, yet we receive monthly bills. This is not only frustrating but also unfair. Why the bills? I do not just understand the reason behind the monthly bills sent without light🤷 We have stopped the payment of electricity bills in my apartment because we are not fools🤔 The lack of electricity has led to the collapse of numerous businesses, including frozen food enterprises, which rely heavily on power to operate. The resulting waste and financial losses are devastating. How can business function without steady electricity?

The reliance on generators has become a costly and unsustainable solution. With the recent hike in fuel prices, many households and businesses can no longer afford to power their generators. This has led to a surge in food prices, as suppliers struggle to maintain their operations. After using the generator to sustain their businesses, what happened? Is it not to increase whatever they are selling? This is not helping the masses at all🤷

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The government's decision to triple the electricity tariff plan, despite the lack of a steady power supply, is nothing short of extortionate. It's unacceptable that we're expected to pay more for a service we're not receiving. The economic implications are dire, with many households and businesses struggling to make ends meet. People are folding up, imagine using Millions of naira to establish a frozen food store and yet lose everything to lack of electricity? This is sad😢

Coping without electricity is an understatement. It's impossible to function without power in today's world. We need electricity to power our homes, businesses, hospitals, and schools. By 8pm, every street is full of darkness, so fearful to walk by that time because there is no light. The absence of light has severe consequences, including:

• Healthcare risks: Hospitals and healthcare facilities struggle to maintain essential services, putting patients' lives at risk. This is the worst of all.
• Economic losses: Businesses that rely on power, such as restaurants, hotels, and manufacturing industries, are forced to close or operate at reduced capacity.
• Food spoilage: Perishable goods, like meat and dairy products, spoil due to lack of refrigeration. I dare not try to get perishable goods in bulk if I don't want to waste them.
• Education: Schools rely on electricity for lighting, computers, and other essential resources.
• Safety and security: The absence of streetlights and power for security systems increases crime rates and makes our communities more vulnerable.

We urge the government to take immediate responsibility to hasten the only one infrastructure we have been clamoring for before the inception of this new government to invest in the electricity grid, power generation capacity, implement efficient distribution and transmission systems to all households and businesses and provide the electricity we desperately need.

All images are sourced.

My response to the #hivelearners writing contest on the topic; ONE INFRASTRUCTURE

  Thank you for reading 💕💕