By Victoria Tom
For over 90 days, residents of Efio Anwan community in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State, have been cut out from public power supply.
The transformer in the community had in the early hours of July 18, 2026 developed a fault, crippling their activities that needed power supply in the neighborhood.
With the situation became unbearable and after much dialogue with their representatives and as well as the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution company without result.
To take the bull by the horn, the community sought for a solution. The leadership of the community had an impromptu meeting with landlords – extending to tenants and arrived at paying ten thousand (10,000) Naira each to enable them purchase a new transformer and installation.
Their gesture is akin to what the former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said to his fellow Americans in 1961: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
For about two weeks, the faulty transformer was evacuated with much expectation for a new one.
After a long wait, our reporter reports that on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, jubilation filled the atmosphere as the long awaited new baby transformer arrived and is currently undergoing installations.
Two residents identified as Mr. Cyril and Mrs. Ikwo Asoquo expressed the negative impact of the blackout.
Mr. Cyril told CrossRiverWatch that the situation has affected his business which relies on electricity.
His words: “for some months now the purchase of fuel is creating a loophole in my business financially because of the cost of fuel. Most customers refuses to purchase drinks, bottled water and even sachet water because it is not cold or refrigerated.”
He said he and other residents will be happy if the public power supply is restored as quickly as possible.
“My food is all getting bad because of the lack of electricity,” Mrs. Ikwo said as her refrigerator helps preserve her food business.
She complained that her generator is too small to power her refrigerator, expressing optimism light will be restored soon.
With the community contributing to buy new transformer, they however, pleaded with the government and the PHEDC to also assist in the installation process.
There is an unverified claim that the PHEDC has threatened to include the unused past months bills to them once power is restored in the community
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