Consumer Safety: TCN cautions Kano residents against building structures under powerlines

*The Transmission Company of Nigeria warns residents in Kano State against erecting structures under the electricity transmission cables to prevent destruction of safety of lives and property

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has cautioned residents in Kano State against building structures, including buildings and shops under the electricity transmission cables to ensure safety of lives and property.

Malam Muhammad Bello, Assistant General Manager (AGM) at TCN, handed down the warning at a press conference held Friday, December 30, 2022, in Kano, Northern Nigeria.

Bello described the media forum as an avenue to fine-tune modalities that would address encroachment into the premises of the company’s landed properties across the state.

The TCN Assistant General Manager disclosed land encroachment along powerlines is the main reason delaying the Federal Government’s plan to boost power supply to the Kano State by 2,000 Megawatts (MW).

He, therefore, warned residents that electricity transmission and high tension cable could break and fall anytime without prior warning.

Bello also noted the buildings and shops constructed under electricity towers in the state have diverse health effects, including cancer, deformity, and reproductive system issues.

He further stated: “Building under electricity installations is very dangerous and hazardous to health.

“So we are calling on residents to avoid such acts.”

According to him, illegal erection of buildings has seriously hindered their operations, particularly from Kumbotso to Dan-Agundi power substation in Kano metropolis.

The TCN Assistant General Manager as well urged residents to observe structures within an environment before investing in building or renting apartment there.

Bello said: “As TCN moves to upgrade its powerlines from Kumbotso to Dan-Agundi substation in the metropolis, it is pertinent that those already living under the electricity powerlines or power lines Right of Way should hasten to relocate to safe place.”