By KT Reporter
Illegal power connections in parts of Arua City are posing a serious fire risk and causing financial losses, according to the West Nile Rural Electrification Company (WENRECo), the regional electricity distributor. WENRECo management says the company is losing revenue due to illegal connections made by unregulated individuals. These connections also increase the risk of circuit overloads that could endanger lives and property.
The General Manager of WENRECo, Eng. Kenneth Kigumba warned that the company will take tough action against perpetrators, noting that such cases are on the rise. He attributed this trend to the silence of community members who fail to report illegal activities in their areas.
Recently, Dalil Bakole, a resident of Tanganyika Ward, was arrested and detained at Manibe Police Post in Ayivu East Division to assist with investigations after being identified as a suspect in carrying out illegal connections. Following the incident, nearly 50 houses in Orphanage Cell, Oli A Cell, and Ondoriku Cell were disconnected by WENRECo as a response to the illegal connections. Power was restored after four days.
While community members condemned the illegal practice, some accused WENRECo staff of being involved. They argued that such connections could not be made without access to technical equipment like meters, suggesting possible insider involvement.
The LC1 Chairperson of Oli A Cell, Butelezi Noor Manzhu, criticized WENRECo management for failing to act promptly despite receiving prior information about illegal connections. He urged the company to conduct an internal audit of its staff and distribution network to prevent further incidents.
Reports indicate that the suspect connected most of the houses directly from the main electric pole, while others were tapped from already connected homes. He allegedly collected money from residents without remitting it to the company.
Sammy Abdul, a resident of Tanganyika Ward, acknowledged that illegal connections negatively affect electricity distribution but urged WENRECo to strengthen monitoring systems to prevent such practices.
Another resident, Zaitun Juma, who was affected by the blackout, called for the identification and punishment of those responsible. She said individuals should be held accountable rather than cutting off electricity to entire communities.
WENRECo management further noted that government estimates indicate the company contributes about 4% to the country’s lack of development due to losses, particularly from illegal power connections.
Authorities and community leaders are now calling for a mindset change, condemning participation in illegal activities that increase electricity costs and hinder industrialization in the West Nile region.
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