ECONOMIC activities have been temporarily grounded in Jalingo, Taraba State capital, following the massive destruction of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) equipment by rainstorm.
Over 15 electric poles, high tension wires and other equipment were brought down by the heavy storm, which hit Jalingo on Saturday evening.
Also, no fewer than five houses were destroyed by the storm, which took residents of Jalingo unaware.
The development has paralysed small-scale businesses across the state capital, thereby leading to hike in the cost of some goods and services.
Welders, vulcanisers and ice-block dealers, among others, have had a hard time, as their businesses depend on electricity generated by the PHCN.
Businesses powered with power-generating sets have cashed in on the situation by increasing the prices of their services to the chagrin of residents.
Although efforts were on-going to restore power in the state capital, residents have continued to lament the situation.
Speaking with The Guardian, Uche Nonso, a welder, said: “As you can see for yourself, my boys and I are relaxing playing draughts because there is no light for the past three days.
“I am aware that the rain that fell on Saturday fell some pole wires at Mile Six area and from what we are hearing, we don’t know when they (PHCN) are going to restore power to us”.
Although he could not ascertain when power would be fully restored to Jalingo, a PHCN spokesman confirmed that relevant departments in the company “are working tirelessly round the clock to put things right”.
He urged the people of the state to “bear with us, “as all steps are being put in place to bring back power supply”.
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