The South-East Electricity Consumers Association (SEECA) has cautioned South-East residents against electrocution resulting from exposed electrical installations due to downpours, flooding and windstorms to prevent electrocution.
Also, all residents are advised to steer clear of fallen electricity poles, exposed wires and damaged power cables, as such installations might remain live even when electricity supply has been interrupted. The Coordinator of SEECA, Dr. Sebastine Okafor, gave the warning in a press statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu.
Okafor said there has been an increase in fallen electricity poles, damaged power lines, and exposed electrical installations within the zone over the last two months, raising safety concerns. According to him, “no one should touch, move, reconnect or attempt to repair damaged electricity infrastructure under any circumstances without being a certified technician and authorised.”
He said: “SEECA strongly cautions electricity consumers against undertaking personal repairs on fallen poles, damaged power lines or electrical installations. All repairs and emergency interventions must be handled by qualified personnel from the relevant electricity distribution companies.
“The association maintains that human life is more valuable than property or interrupted electricity supply. Residents should never risk their lives in an attempt to restore electricity or retrieve property around damaged electrical installations.”
Okafor also expressed concern about haulage vehicles needlessly destroying electric poles and called on heavy-duty drivers to exercise caution and protect public infrastructure. He called on relevant authorities to ensure that drivers responsible for damaging electricity infrastructure are held accountable for their actions.
He lauded MainPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited for its prompt response to the vehicular accident in New Haven, Enugu, which brought down electricity poles and disrupted power supply recently. He encouraged the company to sustain its prompt response to faults, strengthen routine inspections and replace weakened poles to prevent avoidable accidents.
He said: “SEECA calls on all electricity consumers across the South-East to promptly report fallen or leaning poles, exposed wires, damaged electrical installations and fallen power cables to the appropriate electricity distribution companies. Residents must keep a safe distance from affected areas while awaiting the arrival of qualified personnel.
“The association also calls on political, religious and community leaders, residents’ associations and other stakeholders to intensify public awareness campaigns on electricity safety, particularly during rainfall, flooding, erosion and windstorms. The prompt reporting of electrical hazards and strict compliance with safety precautions remain essential to preventing avoidable deaths and protecting lives and property across the South-East.”
