By: T-mac G. Nyaquoi
Ganta City, Nimba County: — Residents of LPRC Community Zones #4 and #7 are raising serious concerns over repeated fire outbreaks from an electrical connection pole in their community, describing the situation as dangerous and life-threatening.
Speaking in an interview with reporters, several community members explained that the electrical pole frequently sparks fire, placing residents, businesses, and nearby properties at risk.
One of the concerned youths, Mr. Archie Zankah, said the situation has been affecting the community since March this year.
According to him, residents have repeatedly contacted the management of Jungle Energy Power (JEP) to address the problem, but little action has been taken.
Mr. Zankah stated that the repeated fire outbreaks have already caused significant damage to several electrical appliances and materials belonging to residents in the area.
“We have been going to their office since March to report the problem, but there has been no positive response,” he explained. “Instead, some workers allegedly made discouraging statements, saying if people die, let them die.”
He further disclosed that two pregnant women, who operate businesses near the affected electrical pole, were recently impacted by one of the fire incidents.
According to him, the women reportedly suffered health complications due to the incident and were rushed to the nearby H&E Hospital for medical treatment.
Community members are now calling on Jungle Energy Power to urgently repair the damaged connection and prevent further incidents that could lead to injuries, destruction of property, or possible loss of life.
Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of Jungle Energy Power, the company’s Public Relations Officer, Mr. Zawolo K. Bamakpa, confirmed that the company had received complaints from residents concerning the issue.
Mr. Bamakpa explained that the affected structure is not a transformer, as believed by some residents, but rather a “tap-out connection” installed to help stabilize electricity supply and protect the community from major power shocks.
He noted that the complaint was initially received during the weekend, making it difficult for the technical team to immediately respond.
According to him, the protective connection is intended to regulate current flow within that section of the community so that electrical faults in one area do not affect the entire community at once.
Mr. Bamakpa assured residents that JEP technicians would be deployed to the area to address the problem and prevent further fire outbreaks from the connection pole.
Residents, however, continue to urge authorities and the power company to act swiftly before the situation escalates into a major disaster.
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