Clicky
Editorial

Hanging electric wires

Time to find alternative ways


Bangladeshpost
Published : 11 Jan 2020 06:33 PM | Updated : 03 Sep 2020 04:30 PM

It is good news that the government is going to remove all kinds of overhead cables, including electricity, internet and dish TV lines in Dhaka city soon. 

Wires of various utility services tangled along electric transformers is an all-too-familiar sight across the capital. If we take a look at the road right below our residence or office through window, we might find a bundle of wires and cables connected from one pole to another to supply us electricity, internet and telephone and cable connection. Service providers, including internet and dish cable operators, are using the electric poles illegally as they have no infrastructure to support their wires. 

The service providers are engaged in an unhealthy competition of covering the poles with new cables in a haphazard manner having no idea about how these can cause accidents anytime. People walking along the city streets, particularly in the commercial areas, are at high risk of accidents due to overhead utility service cables as such cables are often found lying on the ground in many city areas. However, despite repeated orders from the authorities to have the utility service connections underground, Internet and cable TV operators are paying no heed to the matter.


City authorities should think of alternative

 ways to take wires and cables 

from one end of the city to another


Electric poles and overhead power cables are common features in the metropolis as well as in other towns and cities. The hazards of such 

installations on busy roads are often unveiled in the media.  The tangle of worn-out wires often catches fire and melting rubber and plastic fall on the pedestrians below. Sometimes, cable workers become victims of electrocution when they work on exposed lines without switching off the current flow. A moment’s recklessness may make work on electric poles perilous for pedestrians and cable men alike.

Experts are of the opinion that the city authorities should think of alternative ways to take wires and cables from one end of the city to another. Experts suggest for taking the wires through underground pipes to ensure safety of the pedestrians. According to media reports, around hundred and fifty victims of electrocution take treatment at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital every month. A large number of people fall victim to electrocution across the country. 

Considering all these, authorities should take necessary actions to remove the illegal electric connections. In this regard, there is a need to formulate concrete policies and implement as soon as possible to remove the hazardous overhead cables. Also to avert accidents and ensure the safety of the electric-workers authorities should train up the electricians and provide them with proper safety equipment.