FirstPower Electricity Distribution Ltd., a distribution company in Nigeria, warned traders in Anambra State to leave areas under high-tension power lines. They issued this alert on Wednesday to prevent potential dangers.
Tosin Fadairo, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment at FirstPower, shared this message during a sensitization campaign in Aroma and Eke Awka. He emphasized the need for immediate action from those trading under these power lines.
FirstPower said it might cut off electricity to buildings that do not follow the power line right-of-way rules. Mr. Fadairo pointed out that trading under these lines is not just risky but could be deadly. He mentioned that people risk electrocution and other electrical accidents by ignoring these warnings.
Mr. Fadairo stated that many traders and shop owners have not listened to past warnings about the dangers of operating under high-tension lines. This has led FirstPower to enforce stricter measures.
“We have observed significant encroachment on our right-of-way by landlords and people engaged in commercial activities,” he said. “The required clearance is 5.5 metres from high-tension lines, but many structures and business activities are taking place within this restricted area.”
He explained that this unsafe practice is responsible for many electrical accidents in recent times. FirstPower is increasing its efforts to make sure everyone follows the right-of-way rules, which will help protect lives and maintain electricity infrastructure.
Mr. Fadairo added that these encroachments often damage equipment, impacting power supply and resulting in high replacement costs for the company.
“When people complain about poor power supply, they often fail to recognize that some of these disruptions result from encroachments that damage our equipment, costing hundreds of millions of naira to repair or replace,” he said.
He urged residents and business operators in Anambra State to follow safety regulations to avoid unnecessary tragedies. The relevant authorities have been informed about the widespread violations, which are seen across many feeders in the state.
He stated, “Some buildings may comply with right-of-way requirements, but shops constructed in front of such buildings are often located directly beneath power lines.”
“This is the third sensitization exercise we are conducting in this area. We have the authority to disconnect electricity supply to buildings violating right-of-way regulations. If compliance is not achieved after this exercise, we will return to disconnect defaulting buildings, especially those encouraging commercial activities under the power lines.”
Mr. Fadairo recalled a recent incident where a spark from an overhead power line shocked people trading beneath it. Despite this, some traders returned to the same spot.
“We are not trying to deprive anyone of their means of livelihood, but we are more concerned about the safety of lives. Business can only thrive when people are alive and operating in a safe environment,” he noted.
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