Officials from Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), the Ministry of Environment, Urban and Regional Planning, and the National Orientation Agency have initiated a robust advocacy campaign to address rising cases of electrical right-of-way violations in Adamawa State.
The campaign, a series of safety initiatives of the Company was launched in Yola North Local Government Area, to raise awareness about the hazards posed by illegal structures and commercial activities carried out beneath high-tension lines.
Already, two tragic accidents have been recorded in Jimeta, emphasizing the need for immediate attention and such initiative.
According to the Health, Safety, and Environment personnel at YEDC, Mr. Julius Idowu, right-of-way violations occur when structures are built under high-tension lines or during commercial and business activities carried out beneath electrical structures.
These violations endanger lives and also compromise the reliability of electricity supply.
For his part, the representative from the Ministry of Environment, Albert Lungu highlighted the long-term health hazards associated with electromagnetic radiation emitted from High Tention lines.
“The radiation causes heart failure, cancer, and other serious health issues. The effects are not immediate but a gradual process.” He said.
Mr Lungu emphasized that awareness was crucial in preventing these hazards.
The Chairman of Yola North Local Government, Jibrin Ibrahim commended the inter-agency collaboration, stressing the importance of collective efforts to achieving results.
The Chairman who pledged to mobilize community leaders, faith-based organizations, and traders to participate in the awareness campaigns, acknowledged the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and poor planning, contributing to right-of-way violations.
“Continuous urbanization is responsible for these encroachments. Approvals are often given for areas that should not be allocated for development.”
He therefore emphasizes the need for careful planning and consideration of safety standards in future urban developments.
The Joint Task Force’s advocacy efforts led by YEDC plans to continue through: Electronic media campaigns, Physical outreach programs across the state. Community engagement and sensitization as well as Collaboration with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Land and Survey and Urban Regional Planning.
All of these underscore YEDC’s commitment to providing electricity in a safe and reliable manner.
Meanwhile, the company urges the public to report any Right-of-Way violations or safety concerns whenever they are encountered within the network.
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