By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Feb. 10, GNA – The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in the Volta and Oti Regions has intensified public education in bushfire-prone communities as part of measures to protect electricity infrastructure during the dry harmattan season.
The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), focused on communities vulnerable to bushfires to increase awareness of their causes, dangers and their impact on ECG installations and power reliability.
As part of the sensitisation exercise, ECG staff implemented practical preventive measures, including the clearing of vegetation around electricity poles and installations to create fire belts.
A fire belt is a cleared strip of land, usually between two and five metres wide, which serves as a barrier to prevent bushfires from spreading to poles, cables and transformers.
Ms Christina Jatoe-Kaleo, Regional General Manager, underscored the importance of bushfire education, explaining that most fire outbreaks were triggered by human activities such as indiscriminate burning, certain farming practices and careless handling of fire.
She said improved community awareness would help curb avoidable power outages, minimise damage to critical infrastructure, protect lives and property, and enhance the reliability of electricity supply.
During the exercise in the Nkwanta District, Mr Bernard Addo, the District Engineer, commended residents of Odomi, Odomi Camp, Keri, Kai Camp, Abrewankor, Kromoase and Shari for actively participating in bush clearing around poles.
He emphasised that sustained community involvement remained essential to effective bushfire prevention.
In Dambai, Madam Mary Odame, the District Manager, expressed gratitude to the District Union for mobilising staff to support the exercise.
She also acknowledged the cooperation of the NCCE, traditional leaders and Assembly Members in efforts to protect ECG installations.
ECG and the NCCE urged the public to take collective responsibility for preventing bushfires by avoiding indiscriminate burning and regularly clearing vegetation around electricity installations.
They noted that the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding national assets and ensuring uninterrupted power supply during the dry season.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah / Lydia Kukua Asamoah