Staff writer
A research done by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has revealed that at least three people are dying every month due to electricity related accidents in the country.
“The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) is concerned with the increase in the number of electrical accidents with at least three people killed every month due to low hanging powerlines, vegetation encroaching onto power lines, sub standard works and illegal connections,”said ZERA.
ZERA outlined a number of precautions that members of the public should take to avoid fatalities or injures.
“Alterations, repair to existing installations shall be carried out by qualified personnel and approved by ZEDTC before energizing.
Connections and reconnections not authorized by ZEDTC are illegal.
” Buildings constructed within way leaves of power lines and carrying out of business activities under or near powerlines are illegal.No material eg washing lines, chicken runs, fencing, advertising material should be affixed to electrical infrastructure, regardless of the postion or area.”
“It is the responsibility of the property owner to cut or trim trees which encroach into power lines,”added ZERA.