Traders in Homa Bay town market have expressed displeasure over disconnection of electricity supply to the market over an unpaid bill.
Homa Bay Giant Traders Association Chairman Jack Nyambega urged the county government to urgently resolve the power connection problem.
He said that the problem arose after the Kenya Power Company disconnected a communal meter.
The chairman said it was regrettable that the traders have been in darkness for over a month for reasons they have no control over.
“We have waited for the county government to pay the bill and do the separation of meters. We are ready to pay the bills if the meter separation is done, “he said.
He also said that it would be impossible for the traders to pay the monthly rent to the county government unless power was restored because majority of the businesses relied on electricity to operate.
“We use electric machines for our businesses. I am forced to open at eight and leave at five due to darkness,” said Shadrack Miriro, a tailor.
Another trader, John Jaramogi, a butcher, said he is forced to transport his meat for refrigeration elsewhere, incurring heavy expenses.
“The power blackout has also led to a spike in cases of insecurity as the security lights are always off, “Jaramogi added.
Felix Omondi, who has an electronic repair shop, said that his business has stalled because he needs power to fix the devices, which is his main source of livelihood.
Belinda, a businesswoman who sells chips and soda, said she needs electricity for the fryer and the fridge.
“I am now forced to use gas for making chips and also buy ice to cool the drinks, pushing up the expenses, “she complained.
The Giant Traders Association Coordinator Leonard Ojenge said that the power bill stands at Ksh. 572,000 and should be paid by the county government before reconnection.
The traders appeal to the county government to pay the bill without further delay.
By Davis Langat
