February 14, (THEWILL) – The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has warned Cross River residents against erecting structures under power lines, describing it as a disaster waiting to happen.
Engr Bob Gogwga, the PC/M Engineer made the appeal in Calabar in an address he presented during the PHED/NERC Complaint Resolution Meeting.
Engr Gogwga, who spoke on behalf of Engr. Tom Udofia, listed several risks power lines pose to people who build and perform activities around it.
“Don’t live or do business under high tension lines because it’s very dangerous. Whenever there is a thunderstorm, snapping of the lines or accidents, you are at high risk of losing your life.
“We have places where people raise antenna poles, billboards, and structures under power lines, and it’s very dangerous.
“We also have instances where people build shops with an electricity pole inside it. Those poles have rods inside the concrete and during rainfall can cause electrocution.
“A stale wire can also kill you so you don’t need to go close to our network because it’s very dangerous to your health, family and everything.
“Electrons are transmitted by these lines, which affect our health, so we want you to stay alive so as to enjoy our services and pay us regularly,” he said.
He disclosed that the recommended distance for the right of way for power lines is 5.5 meters for 11/33KV line, 12.5 meters for 132KV line and 25 meters for 330 KV lines on both sides.
He said so many people leave the approved distance when they see their neighbours doing so and stressed that it’s a death sentence.
He explained that the risk of noncompliance to the Right of Way includes electrocution, fire outbreak, loss of lives and properties etc.
Also speaking, Dr. Benson Uwheru, the MD/CEO of the organisation, appreciated energy consumers in the state and stressed that they will continue to do their best going forward.
Dr. Uwheru, whose address was presented by Dr. Gabriel Modukpe, the Regional Manager, said the meeting will help resolve all issues raised by consumers as without them, they will not be in business.
On his part, Engr. Effiwat Archibong, who represented the Cross River State Commissioner for Power, said the government will cooperate with the PHED on how to improve the sector for the benefit of the state.
As part of the engagement, consumers were sensitised on the effects of energy theft/bypass, Service-Based Tariffs/STS and Customer Redress Mechanisms.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
