March 06, (THEWILL)- The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has frowned at indiscriminate activities going on under power lines within its franchise area.
The Company made this known in the wake of Saturday’s electrocution incident in Calabar, the Cross River State capital.
In a statement made available by the Head, Corporate Communications of the organisation, Olubukola Ilevbare, the company said despite several appeals, customers have remained adamant.
The PHED appealed to the public to adhere to the standard safety codes, particularly under high-tension lines to avoid unavoidable circumstances.
The statement read in part, “It is noteworthy to state that despite the frequent safety campaigns through various mediums on the dangers associated with trading, building or residing under high tension lines, customers are extremely adamant.
“The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, PHED, has warned customers in its franchise area to desist from trading, building or residing under the high-tension lines.
“This warning is coming on the heels of the alarming surge in indiscriminate activities observed in the areas marked to be highly unsafe for human and business activities due to radiation, drop or wire snap, humming etc.
“There are standard codes that guide the possibility of any activity under the high-tension lines for the purpose of tolerance and safety advantage in the case of eventualities occasioned by unforeseen circumstances.
“In accordance with the standard safety code for right of way for power lines, the distance observed on each side of 11/33KV is 5.5 Meters, 132KV is 12.5 Meters and 25 Meters for 330KV, which should be strictly adhered to.”
Meanwhile, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of PHED, Dr Benson Uwheru, has sympathised with the victims. He promised that the company would cover their hospital bill and wished them a speedy recovery.
Earlier this year, the PHED, during a customer sensitization exercise held in Calabar and witnessed by officials of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), warned the public of the dangers of trading under high-tension lines and advised them to adhere to the standard safety codes.
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.
