Illegal Connection: Four Electrocuted In PH, Calabar

No fewer than three persons have been electrocuted in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital in the last two weeks.
The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), Mr. Obi Onuwah, who disclosed this to The Tide yesterday, said the three persons were electrocuted while attempting to illegally connect electricity.
The PHEDC image maker said one person died in Borokiri, one in Rumuomasi while another was electrocuted at Elekahia.
He blamed the incidents on the activities of some electricity consumers who rather than engaging qualified PHEDC staff to connect them to electricity supply prefer non professionals in order to evade payment of necessary official charges to the company.
Onuwah who absolved the company of any responsibility in the incidents said since the victims died while embarking on an illegal connection they were responsible for the risk they took and advised electricity consumers to avoid tampering with property belonging to the company.
He urged members of the public to always report their electricity problems to appropriate official quarters for necessary attention.
The Public Affairs boss also disclosed that another person was electrocuted in Calabar, the Cross Rivers State Capital in February 2014 when line fell on his house.
Mr. Onuwah explained that the deceased built his house under the power line adding that it contravened the law that people should always observe the right of way of grid lines.
He reassured electricity consumers in the states covered by PHEDC of regular supply of power services and urged them to always pay their bills regularly.

Chris Oluoh