MainPower warns Enugu residents against encroaching on electricity infrastructure

MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited has cautioned residents of Enugu State against erecting structures or carrying out commercial activities around high-tension towers, poles and power lines, warning that electricity installations pose serious danger to lives and property.

The company urged members of the public to observe approved Right-of-Way regulations for electricity infrastructure and desist from activities capable of endangering public safety and disrupting power supply across its franchise areas.

Speaking with journalists in Enugu on Wednesday, the Head of Health, Safety and Environment at MainPower, Dr Francis Iwu, said the warning became necessary following the increasing rate of residential and commercial encroachment around critical electricity installations in the state.

According to him, the development poses significant safety risks to residents and threatens the reliability and stability of electricity supply within the distribution network.

Iwu cited the windstorm and heavy rainfall recorded on May 3, 2026, which led to a snapped conductor on the Emene Industrial Lines around the Naira Triangle axis in Emene. Although no casualty was recorded, he said the incident caused severe damage to a transmission tower supporting the line.

He explained that approved safety clearance for power lines remains 25 metres on both sides for 330kV transmission lines, 15 metres on both sides for 132kV lines, and 5.5 metres on both sides for 33kV and 11kV distribution lines.

The safety expert expressed concern over the growing number of buildings, markets and other commercial activities being carried out dangerously close to electricity installations, particularly in Thinkers Corner, Emene, Abakpa, New Haven, Amechi, Agbani and Ugwuaji.

He noted that such practices violate established safety standards and expose residents to avoidable electrical hazards.

Iwu further advised residents against erecting structures, trading, parking heavy-duty equipment or engaging in any activity beneath or near high-tension lines, warning that electricity-related accidents are often fatal.

He called on community leaders, developers, landlords, traders and relevant government agencies to collaborate with the company in protecting electricity infrastructure and ensuring strict compliance with safety regulations in the interest of public safety and sustainable electricity supply.