Residents of Temitope and Ifowosowopo communities, Apara, Ward 7, Atakunmosa West Local Government of Osun State have decried the darkness that has plagued their community for 21 years.

The residents lamented that they had not had electricity since 2003, while successive administrations have failed to address their plight.

Sunday PUNCH gathered that prolonged darkness had significantly crippled commercial activities in the communities.

“Artisans like welders, barbers, and business owners whose activities need electricity have moved out of the community. We usually go to Osunjela or Ilesa Garage in Osogbo anytime we want to buy some things,” said the Chairman of Temitope Community Development Association, Adetunji Adebayo.

According to Adebayo, some landlords have also abandoned their houses and relocated elsewhere because of the absence of electricity.

Adebayo, who spoke with Sunday PUNCH on Friday, added that the darkness had provided cover for criminals to attack residents of the community at night.

He said, “I have been in the community for over 21 years and we have been in darkness since then.We have tried all that we could but our efforts have been fruitless. The genesis of the problem is that the transformer was faulty in 2003 and it was stolen while trying to fix it. Some cables and wires were also stolen as well. We have been in darkness since then.

“We have written many letters to the government but nothing has been done till now. We have contributed money and bought cables and wires, but we couldn’t afford the transformer which is the major challenge we have. If we have a transformer today, I am sure our community will be lit the following day. We appeal to the government to help us.”

Lamenting the darkness, the Chairman of Ifowosowopo Community, Rafiu Sulaimon, said successive administrations had not been responsive to their plea to restore electricity to the area.

According to Sulaimon, more than six communities are affected by the darkness.

“We have been in darkness for over 20 years and the government has not come to our aid. What we need is a transformer, and it is the only thing we are requesting from the government which they have refused to provide.

“I am pleading with the government again and other individuals to come to our aid. We are human, we deserve a good life too,” he stated.

PUNCH