Positive impulse buying: A quest for alternative power supply.
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One of the greatest challenge I have been experiencing for few months now is due to inadequate power supply. I found myself in a strange neighbourhood that is like no other I have known. I have been living here for the past four months undergoing my NYSC service which has been a bitter sweet experience. The first day I arrived here from camp, seeing how peaceful everywhere is, I was glad to finally have a break from the noise in the city little did I know I will be facing a challenge that I never anticipated.
On my first day here, there was electricity and I was glad that at least among a lot of things that the community lacks electricity is not one of them, I plunged in my power bank and decided to make use of my phone. One of the corp member that has been residing in this community long before I came walked into my room, saw me making use of my phone and couldn't stop staring at me in a strange way. At some point I felt the need to ask him for the reason behind his strange look and he began to laugh so loud that I felt really stupid for asking. I kept thinking what could I have done to warrant such an unpleasant gesture from him.
Along the line he must have noticed I was displeased with his reaction, he stopped laughing and said, do you know how long it has been since we last saw electricity in this community but then here you are making use of your phone while there is electricity. I guess that moment I got the full gist, it turns out that anytime people in this community are opportune have to electricity, they quickly charge all their devices because they don't know when next they will be privileged to have electricity again.
For the past four months have been here, I have seen electricity not more than five times and it barely last for 2-3 hours before it is gone, It turns out I was lucky, the number increased because we were given electricity a couple of times during the EID festival. Looking at the rate at which the issue of electricity was affecting my online activities most especially on hive blog, I couldn't stay idle and do nothing. I decided to search for an alternative power supply and getting a generator wasn't an option due to high cost of petroleum in my area.
In July, One thing led to another and I find myself discussing this issue with one of the corp members around here and he suggested that there was an option I could opt for. It turns out that there are other people here who also seek the same solution as me and they have gotten themselves potable solar panel from a brand known as "Sun king" to charge their devices. I got the details from them and decided to order mine through Jumia {online shopping platform}.
A screenshot from my Jumia app
There are different series of the device, searched for the one I could afford "Sun King home 40 plus" which was around $33 but then I encountered an issue I never anticipated. It turns out that they can't deliver the item to my community and the nearest pick up station where the item will be delivered will cost me approximately $7 for transportation to pick up the device. I can't deny the fact that I was desperately in need of the device but at the same time I couldn't afford the cost of transportation at the moment because I didn't plan for it.
A screenshot from my Jumia app
The most annoying part was I already ordered the device before making more enquiries about the distance of the pick up station. I had no choice but to forfeit picking up the device and my order was cancelled. I was so pained because I was desperately in need of the device. This month I made sure I planned for the cost of everything even the unexpected.
I ordered the device and it took about six days before it arrived the pick up station, after I picked it up. I have been making use of the device since 13th of this month and it has covered a lot of lapses. Two days ago one of the corp member came to my apartment and was interested in the device. I told him everything he needed to know about the device and he pleaded that I should help him order for it on my jumia app. I logged into the app, searched for the device and I was faced with an unexpected surprise.
A screenshot from my Jumia app
It turns out that the device I purchased for $33 has increased to $40, A part of me was happy that I got the device before the unexpected increase but I couldn't express my gratitude in front of my colleague because he suddenly felt disappointed.
This is My entry for the #augustinleo day 18 prompt.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
i had similar experience while I was serving as well but then there is no alternative than to charge from the charging center, I'm glad this is serving you well
It seems you totally understand my situation π