Anambra Traders Warned to Stay Clear of High-Tension Power Lines

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Ltd., a distribution company, warned traders in Anambra State on Wednesday to leave areas under high-tension power lines. They said this is to avoid serious dangers.

Tosin Fadairo, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment at FirstPower, shared this message during a campaign at Aroma and Eke Awka in Awka.

The Disco also said they would cut off electricity supply to buildings that do not follow power line safety rules.

Mr Fadairo described trading under power lines as dangerous and suicidal. He stated that those who ignore the warning risk electrocution and other electrical accidents.

He mentioned that FirstPower has given repeated warnings to traders and shop owners under power lines, but many have not listened. This has led to the need for stricter enforcement actions.

“We have seen many landlords and business people ignoring our right-of-way. The required clearance is 5.5 metres from high-tension lines, but many shops and structures are too close,” he said.

“This situation is unsafe and has caused many electrical accidents lately.”

Mr Fadairo said that FirstPower is working hard to make sure everyone follows the right-of-way rules to keep people safe and protect the electricity network.

He also pointed out that these encroachments cause damage to equipment, which affects power supply and leads to high repair costs for the company.

“When people complain about poor power supply, they often forget that some of these issues come from encroachments that damage our equipment. It costs us hundreds of millions of naira to fix or replace,” he added.

He urged residents and business owners in the state to follow safety rules to prevent tragedies.

FirstPower has informed the relevant authorities about the many encroachments. Mr Fadairo noted that these issues are clear across several areas in the state.

“Some buildings meet the right-of-way requirements, but shops in front of these buildings are often under power lines,” he explained.

“This is our third awareness campaign in this area. We have the right to disconnect electricity to buildings that break the rules.

“If people still do not follow the rules after this campaign, we will come back to cut off power to buildings that continue to allow businesses under the power lines.”

Mr Fadairo recalled a recent event where a spark from a power line shocked traders under it.

He pointed out that despite this incident, some traders went back to the same spot.

“We don’t want to take away anyone's job, but we care more about saving lives. Business can only succeed when people are safe and alive,” he said.