Residents of Mile 5 and Mile 6 Nkwen in Bamenda, Mezam County, Ambazonia, have raised alarm over persistent electricity blackouts that have lasted for several months, accusing ENEO Cameroon, a utility operating under La République du Cameroun, of gross negligence.
In a message sent to MMI News, a resident of Mile 5 Nkwen, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the community has been plunged into darkness despite repeated interventions by ENEO. According to the resident, transformers in the area have been replaced several times, only for the newly installed equipment to fail shortly after installation.
The resident questioned the quality and durability of the transformers supplied by ENEO and expressed frustration that residents are repeatedly asked to contribute money whenever a breakdown occurs. This, the source said, has fuelled suspicions of mismanagement or deliberate neglect. Some community members believe frequent failures are linked to overloading, particularly as construction activities and rapid population growth in Mile 5 and Mile 6 Nkwen have increased without corresponding upgrades to the power infrastructure.
A key concern raised is ENEO’s alleged slow response when one of the two transformers serving a neighbourhood breaks down. In such cases, residents reportedly divert electricity use to the remaining transformer. This places excessive pressure on it, leading to another breakdown and leaving the entire area without power for extended periods.
The resident proposed several measures to address the crisis. These include conducting a proper assessment of rapid urban growth before installing transformers, immediately replacing faulty equipment, implementing systems to prevent overloading, and deploying a technical research team to investigate the repeated transformer failures in Nkwen.
Beyond inconvenience, the blackout has become a survival issue for many residents. Small business owners dependent on electricity have suffered losses, while people with medical conditions requiring power face serious risks. The resident questioned how such vulnerable groups are expected to cope during months of uninterrupted blackout.
The message ended with a strong warning to ENEO and the authorities of La République du Cameroun, urging swift action. Continued silence and inaction, the resident cautioned, could force frustrated residents of Nkwen to take to the streets in protest, adding another layer of tension to an already militarised and neglected Ambazonian city.
