The Enugu Electricity Distribution (EEDC) has cautioned South-East residents against putting up structures and carrying out business activities within electricity power-line right-of-ways.
The Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who gave the warning in a statement on Friday in Enugu, said the warning became necessary as the company had noticed with dismay the indiscriminate manner structures were erected.
According to him, the organisation is not happy that social and economic activities are carried out under high and low tension lines, without recourse to dangers associated with such act.
He called on landlords and building contractors to always ensure that the mandatory clearance levels were observed and maintained.
“These clearance levels are: 11 meters for 11kv and 33kv lines (5.5 meters on both sides); 30 meters for 132kv line (15 meters on both sides); and 50 meters for 330kv line (25 meters on both sides).
“We frown at the indiscriminate manner structures are erected within electricity right-of-ways and warn our customers to desist from this hazardous behavior.
“Also, we have situations where ornamental and economic trees are planted under or very close to our high and low tension lines thereby interfering with the electricity network, causing intermittent tripping.
“These trees also pose risk of electrocution,’’ he said.
Ezeh revealed that there were situations where electricity lines sagged or snapped, noting that if specified clearance level was not observed, the life of people living within the area would be exposed to possible electrocution.
“EEDC is, however, working with relevant government agencies to ensure that the various power-line right-of-ways are enforced.
“Adherence to power-line right-of-ways as well as these clearance levels will go a long way in safe guarding not only lives of the citizens, but also their property.“
Ezeh said that EEDC had applied various media in sensitising its customers on the need to be safety conscious. (NAN)