The Accra East Region of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) revealed that it incurred over GHS150,000 as cost in replacing stolen switch ECG covers.
Covers of some operational switches in the jurisdiction of the Accra East Region ECG have been removed by unknown persons exposing the switches to various hazards.
Speaking to pressmen on Wednesday November 1, General Manager for the Accra – East Region Ing. Bismark Otoo said the issue was worrying and needs to be addressed.
He revealed that the covers that are being taken away exposes the switches to harsh weather conditions that can lead to the exposure of the switches among others.
According to him, exposed switches could result in electrocution when a pedestrian accidentally gets close to the switch.
He stated that about 15 covers have been removed and their replacement cost the company GHS150,000.
Asked whether the ECG has involved the security services, Ing. Bismark Otoo said the ECG has reported the issue to the Police who have promised to help bring the perpetrators to book.
To protect the covers of the remaining switches from being removed, Ing. Bismark Otoo said ECG has begun the construction of metal fence to cover the switches to dissuade these persons from removing them.
“So far, the covers of over 15 switches have been removed. Our technical team on the field are also on the lookout for such persons. The areas where the switch metal thefts have been recorded include Roman Ridge, Airport Residential, Osu, and LA. To cover the stolen ones, we have incurred over GHS150, 000. We have asked the communities where the theft is on-going to be on the lookout for unusual persons wandering around ECG switches,” Ing. Bismark Otoo added.
Ghana | Atinkaonline.com | Vivian Adu
