KEDCO charges Kano residents to stop erecting structures on right of way 

Following the electrocution of a middle-age man at Kano oldest industrial estate, Bompai, Wednesday, the management of Kano Electricity Distribution plc (KEDCO), had called on residents in its franchise area to consider the company’s right of way while erecting any structure.

 The management of the company made the call in a statement issued by Mohammed Kandi, KEDCO’s spokesperson, who described the incident as “regrettable.”

He said the accident could have been averted only if officials of the company had been contacted earlier by owner of the premises of a private business outfit, whose operation led to a loss of life.

The statement quoted KEDCO’s head, Health, Safety and Environment unit, Aminu Abubakar as saying, “It’s important for people to seek permission from our offices nearest to them before carrying out any operations close to our power lines, otherwise they are violating our right of way, which often leads to these kinds of accidents.”

“Erecting any structures—building, signpost, bus stop etc, within 5.5 meters to the left and 5.5 meters to the right could amount to violation of our right of way; this is what the law says. This practice is prevalent among residents and this most stop in order to prevent electrocutions of this nature,” Abubakar said.

According to Abubakar, “Our company is working assiduously to minimize the rate of power related accident in its coverage area, and we really need the cooperation of customers in this regard.”

He explained that, “KEDCO could have de-energies the area if it was given a prior notice of any repairs or tasks being carried out close to its power installation.”