…UCH settles over 10% of N494million electricity bills owed to IBEDC

Oredola Adeola

After three grueling weeks of total power outages, the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, has finally been connected to the national grid, after the hospital’s management successfully negotiated and settled a substantial portion of N495,075,832.32 electricity debt owed to the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), leading to the restoration of electricity supply.

Advisors Reports gathered that the UCH management engaged in extensive negotiations with IBEDC, culminating in a significant payment towards the outstanding debt.

This successful resolution, according to the details obtained by our correspondent resulted in the hospital being reconnected to the power grid at approximately 6pm on Thursday, April 4, 2024, marking the end of a blackout that began on March 14, 2024.

The restoration of electricity at UCH has brought a sense of relief to patients, students, and staff who have endured the challenges of operating in a power-deficient environment. The return of power signifies a positive turn of events for all those reliant on UCH for medical services.

As the hospital revels in the renewed access to electricity, questions linger about the impact of the prolonged outage on the health and wellbeing of individuals dependent on UCH for medical care. The community awaits assessments on how the lack of power may have affected patient care and overall operations during this challenging period.

Busolami Tunwase, spokesperson for IBEDC, in a chat with Advisors Reports revealed that UCH paid a little over 10% of the outstanding debt, leading to the restoration of electricity supply.

Tunwase emphasized that besides the payment made, a workable payment plan has been agreed upon between IBEDC and UCH, expressing hope that the hospital’s management will adhere to the agreement.

However, Mrs Funmilayo Adetuyibi, Public Relations Officer of the hospital, did not respond to inquiries regarding the payment and agreement reached with IBEDC.

details later…