As the indefinite strike embarked upon by workers of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company enters day three, residents of the state groaned over the increased prevalent hardship on Wednesday.
DAILYPOST recalls that the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company planned to sack 900 workers in what it refers to as “reorganization in the electricity sector.”
However, the electric workers’ union had disagreed with the plan, saying the plan did not follow the agreed rules, urging all employees to embark on an indefinite strike until the management rescinds its decision.
But residents in the state raised alarm, saying they are the most affected by the ongoing strike, as their businesses are on the verge of collapse.
According to a 59-year-old widow, Mrs Juliet Arama, who uses a grinding engine to feed her four children and pay their school fees, “My children have not eaten for three days because there is no light to use the grinding engine, and I cannot afford the cost of fuel.”
Also, Mr Joseph Moses, a student of Kaduna State University, said he operates a barbing salon, using the income to pay his school fees and feed himself, but all that stopped since the electricity workers embarked on strike.
Also, Mrs Juliet Olayemi, who operates a business center at Kakuri Bus Stop, said she realizes over 4,000 Naira daily, but since the strike, not a penny has entered her pocket.
However, DAILYPOST’s correspondent, who went around some local government areas in the state, observed dullness on the part of workers as there was no light to operate, with some workers standing in groups discussing the present issues affecting the state.
A staff member of Kaduna North Local Government, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told DAILYPOST that criminals and other social vices have continued to increase since the strike action.
