PHED warns against mounting structures, trading under power lines

The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has warned the public against erecting, trading, or living under power lines in her franchise areas.

The warning followed the recent electrocution of nine persons while attempting to erect a billboard under the power line. Five people died in the incident, while four survived.

The Rivers State Police Command also arrested the assistant pastor of the church that owns the billboard.

But PHED in a statement by its Head, Corporate Communications, Olubukola Ilevbare, lamented that countless numbers of residential buildings, shops, bars, markets, and other life-threatening activities are conducted near power lines as observed by the company’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) department.

He said: “It is alarming that despite numerous public campaigns, against the harmful activities which contravene the right of way code on power lines in Nigeria and negates safety standards, some members of the public have jettisoned the dangers associated with power lines and continue to ignore all warnings.

“For the purpose of reinforcement, the company has constantly enlightened members of the public on the safety standards for building, erecting, or trading close to the power lines in Nigeria.

“According to the right of way code, members of the public embarking on any activity close to the power lines are expected to give a tolerance of 5.5m on 11/33kv lines, 12.5m on 132kv lines, 50m on 330kv lines and 1.05m on 0.415kv lines as the acceptable right of way safety standard.

“Sadly, rather than adhering to the right of way provisions in Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) HSE manuals and code, some people continue to treat the matter with levity. This is largely responsible for the rise in avoidable cases of public safety incidents.”

Meanwhile, the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of PHED, Dr. Benson Uwheru, has commiserated with the families of the victims of an electrocution accident, which occurred on Monday, August 21, in the process of carrying out a dangerous activity under the power lines feeding customers at Greater Port Harcourt Axis.