Politically speaking, it is a thing of worry that encroachments around high voltage installations is increasing in Nigeria without regards for the existing Right of Ways and safety measures thereby endangering both lives and property. In different parts of the country, the story is the same with some persons living very close to and others doing brisk business under high tension conductors. These places are populated by food vendors, mechanics, plumbers, spare-part sellers and numerous artisans to the extent that it has become the norm rather than the exception.

Such installations are hazardous and should not be approached, talk less of staying near and doing business around them. Unfortunately, as observed earlier, encroachment around these installations has become the norm with people oblivious or ignorant of the dangers posed by these high tension conductors and other installations.

To most people, the only danger posed by these installations is when there is physical contact forgetting that while conveying electricity, these lines emit radiations that are hazardous to health and the lines could snap and cause loss of lives and destroy properties when they fall on them.

According to standard prescriptions, the approved distances to be maintained from high voltage lines are 50 Meters (25 Meters to the right and left sides), 30 Meters (15 Meters to the right and left sides) and 15 Meters (7.5 Meters to the right and left sides) for 330kV, 132kV and 33/11kV lines respectively.

Since compensation was paid to genuine owners of affected lands where these installations are located, we urge relevant authorities to embark on massive awareness campaigns on the risks associated with this behavior after which demolition of properties deemed to have violated stipulated Right of Ways be carried out for the safety of lives and properties.  

Apart from safety of lives and properties, the clearing of every encumbrances from Right of Ways would ensure seamless maintenance of such installations and make it easy to detect those with the criminal intention to vandalize them.

Another benefit of freeing these installations of encroachment is that when they are not encroached upon, it is easier to carry out expansion for the purpose of development.

We hope that this menace will be urgently tackled for the overall benefit of the country and safety of lives and property.