Some residents of Nyandiwa beach in Suba subcounty have raised concern over two months power blackout in the area.
The residents said the absence of electricity at the beach and surrounding markets has paralysed their business operations and rendered some of them jobless.
The residents who are mostly fishermen and fish traders faulted Kenya Power for delaying to replace a transformer that broke down two months ago.
On Sunday, residents led by Suba South beach management unit chairman William Onditi said the lack of power has left them counting losses because they can't preserve their fish.
“Most people who trade in perishable goods like fish and milk have been rendered jobless. Many such commodities have gone bad forcing others to quit the business,” Onditi said
Onditi said they had raised the matter with Kenya Power but not much has been done to address their plight.
He argued that some fishermen are now being forced to sell their fish at a throw-away price because they cannot operate coolers that depend on electricity.
“We have welders and barbers who have closed shop due to lack of electricity. Let Kenya Power intervene because we have children to feed and school fees to pay,” he said.
The residents also expressed fears that continuous power outages may lead to insecurity.
“Some people may take advantage of the situation and engage in criminal activities,” Onditi said.
Homa Bay Kenya Power office said they are working around the clock to restore the situation.
They said a new transformer will be transported to replace the spoilt one.
Residents were asked to avoid vandalising electricity property such as transformers and electricity poles for sustainable power supply.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
