They are acquiring generating sets as the situation looks set to continue till August.
For many years while the southern regions of Cameroon groaned under the impact of power outages, those in the north enjoyed relatively stable electricity. But since the beginning of 2016, residents of Maroua, capital of the Far North Region, just like their counterparts in most of Adamawa, North and Far North Regions, have been experiencing unprecedented power interruptions.
According to dependable sources at the Far North Regional Delegation of Energy of Cameroon, Eneo, the load shedding was prompted by low rainfall last year into the Lagdo Dam in Adamawa Region. The dam provides electricity to most of Adamawa Region and to all of the North and Far North Regions. “This is a natural phenomena about which we can’t do anything except to wait for the rains to return in good quantity,” explained the source.
In order to ensure regular electricity supply, Eneo has embarked on rationing or load shedding, with neighbourhoods taking turns in receiving power, lasting from 5 pm to 11 pm. The power cuts at times take place during day light. Residents of concerned neighbourhoods are forewarned by Small Message Service, SMS from Eneo. Unlike the usual practice elsewhere in the country, radio announcements are not made on load shedding schedules to prevent enemies taking advantage of the situation to launch attacks.
Given the unprecedented situation, residents of Maroua, especially businesses, are adjusting. Adamou Soule, who works in a 40-room, three-storey hotel in the Stade Domayo area said they now spend an average of 60,000 FCFA for 100 litres of fuel in the standby generating set. A nearby bus station, also in the Stade Domayo area, has acquired a generating set on which it spends an average of 4,000 FCFA for fuelling during power outages. Unlike the aluminum worker, Christine Djeukam, who runs a business centre in the northern end of Maroua cannot afford a generating set for now.
However, many Maroua business owners are adjusting to load shedding by arranging for alternative power, knowing fully well that the situation might only be over as from next August when the rains stabilise around Lagdo Dam. In the meantime, Eneo has issued radio announcements on how to save power. According to Medi Julienne, in charge of Eneo Communications for the three northern regions, subscribers are advised to economise electricity consumption as much as possible by putting off all unnecessary appliances.
