Several communities in Abia State were yesterday (Monday) thrown into darkness as a result of vehicular accident involving a Toyota Corolla saloon car at Ohiya, Umuahia, along Enugu - Port Harcourt expressway.
This development was made known by the Head, Corporate Communications of the Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC), Mr. Emeka Ezeh.
According to Ezeh, the incident claimed about 14 High Tension poles, including five 40 feet poles, with cross arms, pot insulators, stays, disc insulators, and j-hooks.
"Our Obowo, Nkwoegwu, and Ntigha 33KV feeders, as well as the adjoining Nkwoegwu, Amaogwugwu, Abiriba, Amachara, and Ekenobis 11KV feeders were all affected", he lamented.
The communities affected by this mishap includes, Nkwoegwu, Uzuakoli, Isiukwuato, Ntigha, Mbawsi, Ngwa axis, Abiriba, Amaogwugwu, Mgbaja Osa, Ogbogi Ukwu, Ogbogi Umuonya, Umuekwule Umuokpara, Dike Nta, Dike Ukwu, Ehume, Ogbodinibe, Umuajameze, amongst others.
It was gathered that the EEDC team immediately isolated the affected network for safety of lives, and the matter subsequently reported at the Central Police Station, Umuahia, for further investigations.
The Management of EEDC decried the impact of vehicular accidents to its operations across the South East, stressing that it has become a major challenge bedeviling its activities.
"We record several cases of vehicular accidents along our major highways, leading to destruction of electricity infrastructure and subjecting our customers to inconveniences".
"Apart from the destruction of our installations, some of these accidents lead to loss of lives and damage of property; at times even electrocution or fire outbreak."
Effort is already being made by EEDC to replace the damaged poles and line accessories, so that the affected communities can be restored.
"We therefore appeal to all our customers affected by this development to be patient while we work at resolving this issue"
EEDC pleads with motorists to practice safe driving, be more cautious, avoid over speeding and all forms of recklessness while on the road, as that will reduce the downtime associated with these accidents, and go a long way in saving lives and protecting property.
It will also enable EEDC channel its resources to other network enhancement projects that will improve service delivery to its customers, rather than embark on repairs and replacement of damaged infrastructure due to accidents.