Life at risk of illegal, unsafe electric connections in city
PEOPLE in the flood-hit area are also at risk of electrocution as many residents have taken power connections using bamboo poles and hooks. As the authorities concerned are indifferent to the consumers’ demand for power connections in a proper way, people were compelled to get the connections. On the other hand, sometimes consumers did not contact the authority for connections and engage electricians to save money and get quick services. The power supply agencies are responsible for quick response to the power demand, and maintain the safety measures of connections and consumers.
Many consumers with legal documents for taking power connections also took lines using bamboo poles as their houses are far away from the main electric poles. Accidents are usually taken place because of such dangerous connections. Such unsafe connections also damage the main power lines as connections loosen off during storms and even in strong wind. Local people said that when they contacted power officials for repairs, they did not cooperate and charged an additional amount delaying the restoration of the connections. DPDC has taken Tk 919 crore project to replace non-standard power lines in different areas of Dhaka and Narayanganj.
According to a government study in 2016, 9120 people died of electrocution, 7,163 people became permanently disabled and some 270,622 others were injured due to electric shocks. More than a third of the people admitted at DMCH are electric burnt patients. Electrocution is considered by physicians to be one of the most devastating injuries since the bulk of the victims are maimed for life. Electrocution can and does result in amputation of entire limbs and all this has been going on for years.
Unless a serious effort is made to raise public awareness, casualty and injury rates will continue to rise. Laws also need to be enacted and enforced that would make building owners or construction site personnel liable for leaving electric wires within reach of people. The utility service providers must take serious effort to make the wires safe that carry electricity to city people.
Many consumers with legal documents for taking power connections also took lines using bamboo poles as their houses are far away from the main electric poles. Accidents are usually taken place because of such dangerous connections. Such unsafe connections also damage the main power lines as connections loosen off during storms and even in strong wind. Local people said that when they contacted power officials for repairs, they did not cooperate and charged an additional amount delaying the restoration of the connections. DPDC has taken Tk 919 crore project to replace non-standard power lines in different areas of Dhaka and Narayanganj.
According to a government study in 2016, 9120 people died of electrocution, 7,163 people became permanently disabled and some 270,622 others were injured due to electric shocks. More than a third of the people admitted at DMCH are electric burnt patients. Electrocution is considered by physicians to be one of the most devastating injuries since the bulk of the victims are maimed for life. Electrocution can and does result in amputation of entire limbs and all this has been going on for years.
Unless a serious effort is made to raise public awareness, casualty and injury rates will continue to rise. Laws also need to be enacted and enforced that would make building owners or construction site personnel liable for leaving electric wires within reach of people. The utility service providers must take serious effort to make the wires safe that carry electricity to city people.
