Cut trees, branches covering power lines, says CEB

The Power and Energy Ministry requested public assistance to prevent damage to electricity supply cables during the rainy season by cutting and removing trees and branches dangerously overhanging on electricity lines in their areas and compounds.

The Ministry has requested the public to be extremely careful in using televisions, radios and other electric appliances during rains as lightening may cause damage to them.

A Ministry release said the number of deaths caused due to electrocution as a result of damage caused to electricity cables by falling trees and branches had increased over the years as most people had ignored Ministry warnings.

The programme launched by the CEB to streamline the provision of electricity to 3.4 million electricity consumers by getting regional depots to clear obstructing trees and branches had been hampered because certain consumers had made it a habit to grow trees near electricity lines and posts.

Consumers should inform the Regional Electricity Engineers Office if the removal of trees and branches overhanging electricity wires is not properly carried out by CEB depots.

The release said strict action would also be taken against consumers failing to clear trees and branches that may cause damage to electricity lines.