ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad Electric Supply Company (Iesco) has identified and secured 5,370 potential sources of electric shock.

Moreover, it was observed that the majority of people become vulnerable to electric shocks due to extension of their houses, tilted poles, open distribution boxes and short circuits in old wires in their houses.

In a statement, Iesco Chief Executive Officer Shahid Iqbal said a special campaign had been launched to protect the life of people.

He said electricity lines crossing over or close to the houses were being shifted to safe locations.

“So far, 5,370 dangerous points have been secured at the cost of Rs814 million to protect people from accidents due to electricity,” he said.

According to the details, as many as 542 in Federal Capital circle and in Rawalpindi 1,300, Attock 918, Jhelum 1,428 and in Chakwal circle 1,182 dangerous points were secured.

“We are utilising all our resources to protect human life and we will never compromise on it. I request customers to follow all safety measures and avoid construction of houses under or close to the power installations i.e. electricity wires, transformers, etc.,” the Iesco chief said.

Mr Iqbal also requested Iesco customers if they find any source of electric shock in their areas, they should inform relevant SDO office so that they could be secured.

Iesco’s Media Coordinator Raja Asim, while talking to Dawn, said during the campaign it had been observed that majority of dangerous points were created because people extended their houses to electricity poles.

“I remember that in an incident, took place in rural area of Islamabad a few months ago, a child went on the roof and touched the wire while trying to catch a kite,” he said.

“However there were also issues of tilted poles and open distribution boxes. All have been repaired, covered and wires have been moved away from the houses. However, we also appeal to people that they should also avoid extending their houses as it can be dangerous for their beloved ones,” he said.

Mr Asim said old wires in the houses were another issue as they were the main source of short circuit due to moisture.

“Though we have started a campaign to protect precious lives, we appeal to people lodge their complaints regarding dangerous points at helpline 118 or at Customer Service Centre at 051-9252933-6,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2020