Water shortage hits Kaduna as aggrieved KEDC workers continue strike action

Water shortage has hit some parts of the Kaduna metropolis and environs on Tuesday, as aggrieved workers of Kaduna Electric Distribution Company, who embarked on strike on Monday, vowed to continue with the strike action until their demands were met.
They said they would only return to work if the sack letters, allegedly issued to about 900 disengaged workers, were withdrawn.
The workers also alleged that the current problem between them and the company was caused by a former military governor of Kano state, who is now a major shareholder in the company.
Meanwhile, the strike, which entered its second day, caused serious water shortages in Kaduna and environs.
Women, children, and other members of the public were seen struggling to fetch water in the few boreholes powered by generators or solar energy in neighborhoods—some trekked distances to get water to drink and cook.
The cost of water sold by water sellers in carts has increased, even as people besieged the few boreholes powered by generators.
The National Union of Electricity Employees members insisted that the electricity company management must withdraw the disengagement letters issued to the 900 staff members.
The strike began on Monday and was also in protest of other grievances, including non-payment of outstanding pensions to retirees, inadequate provision of necessary work tools, lack of promotions for deserving employees, and non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage.
A union official said they were not opposed to the management’s sacking of the 900 workers but that their entitlements must be paid in full.
He added that the management had initially agreed to withdraw the disengagement letters during a meeting with a security agency but later reneged on the agreement.
“We told them we will restore the power supply immediately once they withdraw the letters.”
According to the official, “the strike has left the entire state of Kaduna in darkness and Kaduna Electric franchise states of Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, with residents and businesses affected by the power outage.”
“The NUEE apologized to customers for the inconvenience but maintained that the strike was necessary to protect workers’ rights.”
“We understand our customers’ plight and apologize for the inconvenience this strike has caused. But we cannot continue to watch as our members are treated like slaves. We will continue to fight for their rights, no matter the cost.”
“We will not back down until our demands are met. We are willing to negotiate but will not be intimidated or coerced into accepting anything less than what is due to our members.”
Vanguard