The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, PHED, has issued a stern warning to members of the public against erecting, trading or living under Power Lines in her franchise area.
This is coming on the heels of countless numbers of residential buildings, shops, bars, markets and other life threatening activities conducted near Power Lines as observed by the company’s Health, Safety and Environment Department on daily basis.
A statement by the Head Corporate Communications, Olubukola IIevbare stated that ” It is alarming that despite numerous public campaigns, against these 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, eracting 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 and 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 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.
” PHED is renowned for promoting best practices in industry safety standards which earned the company an appreciable position on Safety Compliance ranking in the electricity industry.
” The Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Benson Uwheru, wishes to use this opportunity to commiserate with the families of the victims of an electrocution incident which occurred on Monday, 21st August 2023, in the process of carrying out a dangerous activity under the Power Lines feeding customers at Greater Port Harcourt Axis
“As a responsible company that values the sanctity of life, we empathise with the families of the deceased.
” Members of the public are further advised to adhere to public safety standards on electricity right of way to avoid loss of life,” IIevbare added.
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