By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu – Emeka Ezeh, Spokesman for Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), has decried increased damage to electrical installations in the South-East due to a reckless driving of some road users.
Ezeh said that the company received reports of these accidents involving commercial buses, private cars, trailers, tankers and tippers from its service centers on a daily basis.
According to him, the situation not only affects the revenue of the EECD, but also impacts on the quality of service delivery to electricity customers.
“This situation affects EEDC property such as transformers, feeder pillars, line accessories, high tension and low tension lines.
“The situation always subjects the organisation to so much pressure, as it struggles to replace the damaged equipment and restore supply to its customers in the affected areas,’’ EEDC spokesman said in a statement.
According to him, causes of these accidents are most times attributed to speeding, driving under the influence of substances and hazy weather.
“Other causes include overloading of trailers and trucks high above their capacities, to the extent that they cause obstruction and in some cases bridge the lines or even pull them down alongside the poles.
“Apart from the destruction of our installations, some of these accidents lead to loss of lives and property, mostly through electrocution and fire outbreaks,’’ he said.
Ezeh appealed to drivers to be more cautious, practice safe driving and avoid speeding while on the road.
“This will reduce the downtime attributed to these accidents and go a long way in saving lives and property.
“This will also enable EEDC channel its resources to other projects that will improve service delivery to its customers, rather than repairs, due to accidents,’’ he said. (NAN)