The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, has commenced the disconnection of properties involved in the violation of ‘Power Line Right-of-Way’.
This was confirmed by the EEDC Head of Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, in a statement he made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday.
He disclosed that the company’s action was “in compliance with the directive issued by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to Distribution Companies (DISCOs), instructing them to disconnect power supply to all structures, buildings and premises that are in violation of the Power line Right-of-way (ROW).”
Ezeh said that “the EEDC is in full liaison with relevant government agencies to ensure this directive is carried out effectively.
“We have been disconnecting properties identified within our network to be in violation, and working closely with relevant government agencies, some of these structures have been demolished”.
He further explained that “the power line Right-of-way is the mapped out corridor for Distribution and Transmission power lines. As a precautionary safety measure, these mandatory clearance levels are to be observed and adhered to by members of the public when putting up structures.”
He recalled that sometime last year, the EEDC issued a release advising her customers and the general public against putting up structures and carrying out business activities within power line power line Right-of-way.
The distribution company equally enumerated the various power lines and their respective clearance levels.
He said “for instance, 11 meters is to be observed on 11KV and 33KV lines (that is 5.5 meters on both sides); while 30 meters is observed on 132 KV line (that is 15 meters on both sides) and 50 meters observed on 330KV line (that is 25 meters on both sides).
“The EEDC has applied various communication medium in sensitising its customers on the need to be safety conscious by observing these clearance levels.
“We frown at the indiscriminate manner structures are erected within electricity Right-of-way and warn our customers to desist from this hazardous behaviour.
“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 high risk of electrocution.”
Ezeh added that there are situations where electricity lines sag or snap, and if the specified clearance level is not observed, lives of people living within the area will be exposed to possible electrocution.
“Adherence to power line Right-of-way as well as these clearance levels will go a long way in safeguarding not only lives of the citizens, but also their properties, “ he noted.
Comments