Warns that structures not at least, 5.5 metres away from power lines will be pulled down
The FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited (FirstPower) has warned that trading or constructing buildings under High Tension or electric power lines portends danger as one risks electrocution.
The power distribution company gave the warning when its officials led by the Head of Health, Safety and Environment, Mr. Tosin Fadairo went round some affected buildings and street-trading spots in Awka, Anambra state capital, to sensitize residents on dangers posed by staying very close or under electric wires
The team warned that the company will disconnect electricity supply to buildings that encroached on its power lines..
It was also advised that trees close to electric wires should be trimmed or cut down
The FirstPower team during the exercise also distributed written warning notices to occupants of the affected buildings, other structures as well as street traders operating under high tension wires.
In the notices entitled “Disconnection of Power Supply to All Structures, Buildings, and, Premises Directly Under Power Lines or Within Right of Way of Transmission and Distribution Power Lines”, signed by the Managing Director/CEO and Chief Electrical Inspector of the Federal, Engr. Peter .O. Ewesor, the management lamented that there has been incessant electrical accidents and electrocution arising snapped overhead (O-H) lines dropping on structures built under power lines or within the right of way (ROW) of those power lines.
“A recent case in point is the recent tragedy that occurred in Nyaghasang community in Calabar where eight ( 8) persons were out rightly electrocuted while eleven (11) others survived with severe injuries “, the FirstPower management lamented in the warning notices.
Fadairo advised that structures and street trader should stay at least, 5.5 metres away from the middle cable of any power line.
“FirstPower is interested in the safety of its customers and members of the public at large.
“Nobody should stay under the conductor of FirstPower. Every building, structure and kiosks should be 5.5 metres away on both sides from the middle wire of High Tension Network”, Fadairo warned those his team encountered at the high brow Aroma junction area of Awka during the sensitisation.
He lamented that the electricity distribution company has received sad reports recently about persons who became victims of snapped overhead lines, and, warned that the company would not be held responsible about the cases of such victims.
Fadairo further informed that the electricity company management has already written to the authorities of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Physical Planning Board, urging the agencies to enforce compliance to the FirstPower right of way by residents, but, lamented that compliance has not been satisfactory.
He recalled that for instance, his team noticed that a particular street trader who was a victim of electricity wire drop at Aroma about a week ago was seen on same spot under the High Tension, and, advised that people should prioritise their safety while struggling to eke a living.
