Umeme didn’t help us

Mar 16, 2009

EDITOR—On February 6, I reported a power fault to Umeme in Mbuya (ref M33742). A truck had damaged the transformer in Kinawattaka the previous day and left it hanging dangerously. Umeme promised to rectify the fault.

EDITOR—On February 6, I reported a power fault to Umeme in Mbuya (ref M33742). A truck had damaged the transformer in Kinawattaka the previous day and left it hanging dangerously. Umeme promised to rectify the fault.

A day later, I called Umeme again. I was told the technicians were on their way. Meanwhile, everything in my fridge was in various advanced stages of rotting. I called Umeme for the third time and was again assured that “our technicians are on the way”.

As Umeme staff were still ‘riding a snail’, my bulb suddenly flickered into life. My joy was shortlived as my inquiries revealed that a resident had hired a kamyufu who had rectified the problem and wanted sh100,000 for his service.

On seeing light, most people ignored the kamyufu who undid the work and vanished. It was 5:00pm on a Saturday and we had no alternative but to meet the kamyufu’s demand.

Robert Watasa
Mbuya

Ed: The following is Umeme’s explanation: The complaint above was reported on March 6 and not February 6 as claimed by Robert Watasa. The facts are similarly exaggerated. The transformer serving this are was knocked by a vehicle which damaged it and the structure that holds it in position.

The transformer got out of position and its cutouts were also damaged. This led to intermittent power supply in the area. Umeme rectified the problem on March 9 and there is now better quality supply to this area.

The complainant has confirmed this to Umeme. By his own admission, the complainant says he has been engaging and paying kamyufus (quack technicians), which is irregular, dangerous and detrimental to the power distribution system.

Umeme regrets the incident and the inconveniences caused to its customers.

Edward Twine
Principal Public Relations Officer Umeme

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