Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has issued a final warning against conducting activities under and within the perimeters of High Tension (HT) power lines and advised that such areas be vacated with immediate effect.

The warning was issued in a statement signed by the EKEDC spokesperson, Godwin Idemudia, and was aimed at individuals that conduct activities under and within the perimeter of HT power lines.

Idemudia said: “Eko DISCO has embarked on several safety enlightenment campaigns that emphasise the hazards involved in building, trading, loading vehicles, hoisting flags, installing antennas and planting trees around electricity installations. We place high premium on the lives and properties of people within our network.”

He reiterated the dangers of being within the safety clearance space advised by the company and other electricity bodies and urged the public to steer clear and stay away from HT power lines as it is mandatory to keep the distance of 5.5 meters on both sides of 11kv and 33kv HT power lines, and 25 metres away from 330kv HT power lines.

The statement also mentioned that EKEDC has been directed by the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to disconnect public power supply systems of any structures/buildings/premises built under HT power lines or within the right of way of the power line which he described as a possible inconvenience to customers in said areas but a necessary measure nonetheless.

EKEDC urged members of the public to report these hazardous activities through its whistle-blowing platforms which can also be used to reveal illegal and unethical activities such as energy theft and extortion.