PHED Boss Assures Stakeholders of Improved Service Delivery

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

The Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc, Dr. Benson Uwheru, has assured critical stakeholders that the company would prioritise innovation and improved service delivery in line with its strategic vision.

According to a statement by Olubukola Ilevbare, Head, Corporate Communications PHED, Uwheru made this vow yesterday when he paid a working visit to stakeholders that included opinion leaders, value chain players, traditional stools, and top government functionaries in Akwa Ibom and Rivers States to discuss collaborations.

Uwheru also solicited for improved partnership, stating that it is an enabler for sustainable relationship.

He promised that management would prioritise the demands of Eket people because the company is a customer centric entity.

The traditional ruler of Eket, Obong Etim Abia, who received Uwheru on a visit at his palace, thanked him for the improvement in power supply currently being experienced in Eket and promised to support the company’s operation.

As he continued his working visit, Uwheru also engaged Brigadier General Kenneth Chigbu, the Commanding Officer of the 2 Brigade in Uyo.

Uwheru said that the company appreciated the invaluable role of the brigade in the society and stated that the company has never relented in giving special attention to the requests of the brigade.

He sought for improved stakeholder relationship and asked Chigbu to reciprocate by ensuring that their bills are promptly paid to enable the company to serve them better.

Responding, the brigade commander appreciated the PHED team and promised to continue to support the DISCO, especially in the area of bill payment.

Uwheru also visited the Managing Director of Ibom Power, Mr. Meyen Etukudo, who is a value chain player in the industry.

They both agreed to work in synergy to ensure that worn-out power infrastructures are swiftly replaced and to achieve vegetation control, timely clearance of transit faults and the protection of equipment from vandalism.

Uwheru also visited the recently appointed Commissioner for Power in Rivers State, Prof. Henry Ogiri, and described his appointment as a square peg in a square hole.

He said that the company is experiencing transformation and innovation as management is prepared to partner with the government to succeed in the area of reliable power supply as Rivers State has the highest consumption rate in PHED’s franchise area. He affirmed that the company has been enjoying a mutual and beneficial relationship with previous governments.

Furthermore, he revealed that the company was to set up a State Power Sector Working Committee (SPSWC), with secretariat in PHED’s headquarters and appealed to the commissioner to delegate personnel form the ministry to be part of the committee.

Uwheru hinted that part of the terms of reference of the committee is to develop business models that would address 24/7 power supply, electricity architecture, preventive maintenance, and service concerns like leveraging on state owned power assets, supply priority areas etc. in Rivers State.

He said that the committee has the mandate to convene on monthly basis to review power supply and reliability challenges with clear solutions across the state.

Uwheru called the attention of the government to some business challenges confronting the company like entitlement mentality, refusal to pay electricity bill, staff assault vandalism and prevailed on the commissioner to intervene as a shareholder.

Reacting to the requests, Ogiri expressed his gratitude for the courtesy visit, which signaled a new beginning between his ministry and the company. He also welcomed the idea of collaboration.

Ogiri commended Uwheru for his business plan for the state and said that the ministry has submitted some proposals to the state governor, which would drive collaborative efforts between the government and PHED.