Zaria — Residents of Zaria are continuing to lament erratic power supply in the ancient city, which they described as "very close to total blackout."

In an interview with some residents yesterday, it was discovered that some parts of Zaria have been without electricity for the past two weeks.

A resident, Nasir Yunus, said where he lives, Kofar Gayan, has been without electricity for the past five days.

"It is difficult for us in Zaria to reconcile the statement credited to the federal government that power supply has improved in the country. In Zaria, the situation is pathetic. The PHCN usually 'flash' us with electricity, as they bring light for between five and 10 minutes. If not in Nigeria, I have never heard of a place where power company 'flashes' customers with light," Yunus said.

A businessman at Sabon Gari area of Zaria, Mr. Malachi Ugoh, said the erratic power supply is negatively affecting his business.

When contacted, the Zaria Business Unit Manager of the PHCN, Alhaji Shehu Tanimu, admitted there was a problem.

He said: "As you can see, we have no light even in our office here (PHCN, Zaria headquarters). There is decrease in the megawatt we receive. We receive the energy from elsewhere and supply to customers. We cannot give what we do not have."