Electric Poles Wreak Havoc In PH

Scene of the rain storm havoc in the Trans-Amadi axis of port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday Photo: Dele Obine

Barely a month after dozens of persons were electrocuted at the Trans-Amadi area of Port Harcourt as a result of thunderstorm, another storm has wreaked havoc on the area.

Although, no life was lost in the latest  incident, high tension poles belonging to the  Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were pulled down by the storm.

Apart from the high tension poles, the storm also pulled down trees, deroofed houses, while over 10 cars, including a Toyota Camry car and a jeep were also destroyed by the storm.

Residents of the area told The Weekend Tide in an interview that the incident would have recorded the worst casualties if there was power, saying that with the recent incident, just fresh in their memories, people had to abandon their businesses and scampered for safety.

Speaking in an interview with The Weekend Tide, Mr. Popnen Leeba, a contractor to Globacom Nigeria Limited said the company’s facilities in the area have also been affected by the storm, stressing that “ this situation has affected Glo subscribers in the Trans-Amadi area’.

Also, Madam Bukola Divine, a trader in the area, blamed the PHCN for negligence.

She said the number of PHCN poles pulled down by the storm would have been minimal if they were properly erected, pointing out that most of the poles were not up to six months old.

In her speech, Mrs. Rachel Emmanuel said the incessant storm in the area has made it unsafe for people. She also accused PHCN of negligence.

Official line of PHCN spokesman could not be reached as at the time of the report.