Ikeja Electric Plc has warned traders, shop owners, and artisans operating under high-voltage power lines in Lagos to vacate immediately or face demolition, loss of property, and prosecution.

In a public notice on the violation of right-of-way corridors, the electricity distribution company described the practice of erecting kiosks, stalls, and other structures beneath 11 kV, 33 kV, 132 kV, and 330 kV distribution and transmission lines as illegal and life-threatening.

“Ikeja Electric Plc wishes to draw the urgent attention of the general public, particularly shop owners, traders, artisans, and other business operators, to the serious and life-threatening dangers associated with operating businesses and erecting structures under high-voltage lines, distribution lines, and transmission lines (11 kV, 33 kV, 132 kV, and 330 kV),” the company stated.

The DisCo stressed that conducting activities under high-voltage lines exposes individuals to fatal risks. “Conducting activities under high-voltage lines is life-threatening. Risks include fatal electrocution (even without direct contact), fire outbreaks, and severe injury, especially during rainy weather,” it said.

The company revealed that it had identified fresh cases of illegal re-encroachment in parts of Lagos, specifically mentioning Shogbesan Street in Alimosho and AIT Road in Alagbado. “Ikeja Electric has identified several areas in Lagos with illegal re-encroachment, such as Shogbesan Street (Alimosho) and AIT Road (Alagbado),” the notice read.

Warning that the affected zones are strictly restricted, the company said operating within such corridors contravenes state safety laws.

“Operating in these ‘Right of Way’ corridors violates Lagos State safety laws. These zones are strictly restricted,” it declared.

The utility firm cautioned that defaulters would face stiff consequences. “The consequences of non-compliance may include immediate demolition or removal of structures, loss of property without any compensation, and legal prosecution,” it warned.

Advising residents and business operators on preventive steps, the company added, “Members of the public are strongly advised to refrain from constructing buildings, kiosks, shops, or stalls under or near 11kV distribution lines and 33kV, 132kV, and 330kV transmission lines.”

It urged traders to immediately relocate existing commercial activities within these high-risk areas and report unsafe developments and encroachments to the appropriate authorities.

Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, IKEDC stated that it “remains committed to the safety of the lives and property of its customers and will continue to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to prevent avoidable accidents and fatalities arising from unsafe practices around these critical power infrastructures”.

The company concluded with a caution: “Public safety is a shared responsibility. No business activity is worth a human life.”

(Punch)

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