Masalani Town and the entire Ijara Sub County have been experiencing a serious power outage for the last 24 hours, disrupting normal activities and causing losses to businesses and residents.
According to local residents, the power blackout has affected homes, shops, hotels, workshops and essential services, with traders reporting significant losses, especially those dealing in perishable goods.
Residents noted that power outages in the area frequently occur towards the end of the month and during periods of rainfall, raising concerns over the reliability of electricity supply in the region.
Elders from Masalani Town, led by former Masalani Town watchdog Chairman Abdullahi Abdi, said the issue has persisted for far too long.
He noted that former Ijara County Council Chairman, Mr. Mohamed Gure, had previously raised the matter with Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) officials at the Hola Sub-Station, as well as Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO), calling for lasting solutions.
Confirming the incident, Mr. Hezron Joseph, the Hola Operations Manager, said the outage was caused by a technical breakdown along the transmission line supplying power to Masalani Town.
He assured residents that engineers were on the ground working to restore electricity.
Local leaders have called on the Garissa County leadership, including Senator Abdul Mohamed Haji and Governor Nathif Jama, to intervene and engage relevant agencies to address the recurring power disruptions, which have negatively affected businesses such as mechanical workshops, food vendors, small traders and wholesalers.
Hezron further told KNA that power would be restored as soon as repairs are completed.
He urged residents to remain calm and patient, assuring them that engineers are working round the clock to ensure electricity supply resumes.
By Mohamed Dahir
