Jos DisCo cautions Gombe residents against building under power lines

The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED), has cautioned residents of Gombe State, to desist from erecting structure around power lines and electrical installations.

JED also warned the residents against engaging in social and economic activities around power network facilities.

Mr Abubakar Lamido, JED’s Safety Officer, saud this in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Thursday.

Lamido said JED as a company remained committed to the safety of electricity users, adding that the company was enlightening members of the public under its network on safety measures.

He said that sensitising the public about the right of way was to ensure the safe and efficient distribution of electricity.

“This is why it is important to tell people building or carrying out business activities around network facilities to stop because it’s wrong.

“ This is why we are always sensitising them to the safety hazards associated with the use of electricity in the state.

“People must stop building under power lines and other installations. When your house or shop is far from electricity installations, whenever there is a challenge, the risk on the living in that area will be less.

“But when buildings and shops are under any power line and there is a wire cut, the impact will be higher.

“This is why we are calling our customers and residents to adhere to the right of way regulations and stay away from such facilities,” he said.

The safety officer also called for routine trimming of trees, with permission from JED, to avoid any risk of a possible danger.

According to him, the right the right of way provides a safety buffer around power lines to prevent unauthorised structures or activities that could pose safety hazards.

He said the company was collaborating with the Gombe state government, to ensure compliance in this regard in the interest of electricity users and residents.

Lamido said besides the issue of the right of way, people should stop hanging clothes on wire, standing, or selling under power lines and transformers, especially during rainy season.

While advising the people to report suspected cases of building under power networks, Lamido urged them to report acts of vandalism, theft and other acts capable of disrupting power supply.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that right of way with regard to electricity distribution is an area that is legally designated for the installation and maintenance of electrical infrastructure.

These installations include transmission towers, pole, transformers and other related facilities.