The Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, Molete and Akaran Business Units, in Ibadan, Oyo State has warned the public against building structures, and engaging in social and economic activities under the High and Low Tension lines of the two Business Units.

The warning became necessary because PHCN has observed that despite the Town and Regional Planning Law, which stipulates that a mandatory distance of 5.5 meters, 15.5 meters and 25 meters must be observed as setback from the low tension, 11kv and 33kv lines, member of the public’s have continued to violate the law

The district management in a statement noted that such acts are being done with impunity irrespective of the dangers associated with such violations. “PHCN has expended a lot of resources on enlightening the public on the dangers of the infringement and have even had to make a report on the floor of the Oyo State House of Assembly on the issue in the past all to no avail,” the statement read in part.

It added, “PHCN wishes to reiterate that its overhead lines are constantly exposed to nature which makes them vulnerable to wear and tear. Besides, accident could occur at anytime without warning, especially during this period of torrential rainfall.

“In the event of any line failure, the lives of the people under the power lines will be at great risk. The statement implores members of the public to refrain from converting the underneath of power lines to markets, playground, motor parks or places of worship.”

Against this backdrop, the power company urged residents to always observe the mandatory distance in relation to the power lines in order to protect themselves from unforeseen danger.

Molete and Akaran Business Units said they are currently compiling a list of areas where there are infringements on the routes of the power lines, adding that the list will be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.