Panic Grips Community Over Falling Electric Poles

The people of Umunachi community in Omuma Local Government Area of Rivers State presently live in morbid fear over the rate at which electric poles in the area were falling indiscriminately.

Out reporter, who visited the area said the poles, numbering five with live current, slid dangerously while the community residents have struggled to wage them with some objects to prevent them from falling completely on the ground.

The Tide gathered that the cause of the falling poles is traceable to the heavy down pour with accompanying windstorm recently experienced in the area.

A lady, who spoke to The Tide, said each time people pass through the area where these poles are dangling, they exercise caution in case of any eventuality.

“The major problem is that this is rainy season and should the poles fall on the ground while it is raining, those passing through might be electrocuted”, she said.

The lady, a teacher, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the electricity project was executed by Hon Emeka Nwogu, a one-time member of the Rivers State House of Assembly, who represented Omuma as one of his constituency projects in the area.

She said the community leaders have cautioned the people, especially the children to avoid the area which is close to a popular church in the community for the safety of their lives.

Efforts to contact the Chairman of Omuma Local Government Area, Hon John Nnamdi Anucha, failed as he was not in his office when our reporter visited while his phone lines could not go through.

Meanwhile, there are fears that if something proactive and pragmatic is not done urgently to save the situation, there might be a repeat of the horrific Trans Amadi Industrial Layout electrocution incident in the community, where access to serious medical care is difficult.

Chris Oluoh