The Management of the Bo-Kenema Power Services (BKPS) has sharply responded to wide ranging accusations of issuing extra high bills lately to consumers in Bo and Kenema.
This reaction comes in the wake of growing anger following receipt of 4-month old bills from the month of May 2009 currently being distributed.
Putting the records straight in an interview with Awoko News, BKPS Commercial Manager, Jeremy Murray, and the Cost Management Accountant, Alfred Maada Fobay, they say BKPS only presents genuine bills except that both personnel were quick to admit to late distribution of the electricity bills. They in turn argued that BKPS only signs contract with house owners and not necessarily tenants whose change of address absolutely have no bearing on BKPS as an institution.
On the burning issue regarding acquisition of meters, both the Commercial Manager and the Cost Management Accountant say that the meters are properties of BKPS and cannot be bought. However, the process leading to its acquisition still remains to be properly explained.
Reacting further, both personnel say the preparations regarding the use of pre-paid meters are ongoing and if installed, will put to rest the argument involving higher or inflated bills entirely. It must be recalled that among other complaints, irate BKPS consumers in Bo and Kenema have repeatedly accused the management of BKPS for late distribution of bills, higher bills, faulty meters, to mention but a few.
As part of the challenges posed, the BKPS Management is under constant pressure to open up its facilities to newly-built communities as the two cities keep growing at a faster pace.
Meanwhile, the Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Braima Banya, has pleaded with consumers to take the late bills and make their payments adding that all will be done for BKPS to get on smoothly with their consumers.
The Acting CEO has in turn allayed fears that BKPS will not live up to its corporate responsibilities by providing power supply during the dries.
Additionally, the Second in Command, James A. Rogers, has encouraged all consumers to promptly pay their bills to allow BKPS to continue to provide electricity services.
By Easmon Moiguah
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