24 July 2013, Minna – The management of Power Holding Company, PHCN, in Niger State has warned residents and property owners under high tension wires to relocate from such area or face service disconnection.
Mr Paul Onwuzuruike, the Business Manager, PHCN’s Bosso Business Unit, gave the warning on Tuesday when he spoke to journalists in Minna.
He said the warning had become necessary due to the inherent dangers of living under high tension cables.
Onwuzuruike said if the affected residents failed to move out from the danger zone, electricity supply to residential buildings and related property along its service line would be disconnected.
He also warned people against illegal connections, saying such act could lead to electrocution and related hazard associated with illegal connections.
The manager said the unit’s officials would embark on disconnection of electricity supply to such customers in their houses or business premises.
“If people building along high tension lines fail to move out of danger zones along high tension lines, we will have no option than to disconnect such houses to avoid greater danger such buildings pose to humans.
“The PHCN is trying to avoid a situation where other people living along same service line will be thrown into darkness, when it eventually disconnects supply.
“That is why it (PHCN) is calling on people whose houses are under high tension wire to relocate.
“It is better we cut off service to the buildings or property that can pose danger to people living in houses built under the high tension wire.
“This will be in order to save lives, because of the danger of `if we fail to do something’,’’ he said.
Onwuzurike said having a new business unit in charge of Kontagora, Pandogari, Tegina, Wushishi, Kagara, Kpakungu, Kataeregi and Maikunkele was part of federal government’s policy in the power sector.
He said the policy would ensure that Nigerians enjoy electricity.
The manager then appealed to customers to support PHCN by protecting installations from vandals.
He also urged customers to ensure prompt payment of their bills, saying “without this, the company cannot do much in providing uninterrupted electricity supply’’.
– NAN
