28.5 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

10:05 PM

28.5 C
Philippines
Thursday, March 28, 2024

10:05 PM

Kite flying activities near power lines affect customers, hospitals

Davao Light is urging the public to help strengthen its campaign against kite flying near power lines that has affected customers and vital installations during the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

To date, Davao Light has recorded 216 kites entangled on our power lines flying-related incidents affecting more than 34,000 customers within the Davao Light franchise specifically in the areas of Sto. Tomas, Panabo, Tigatto, Mandug, Indangan, Matina and Maa.
 
“Kites that were entangled in the power lines is now one of the major causes of power interruptions in the Davao Light franchise. Its power lines are designed to automatically shut off power whenever something has come in contact with it for safety purposes. Hence, when kites touch the lines, a power interruption may happen.” said Davao Light AVP for Engineering Operations Orville O. Lazaro.

“One should never try to remove a kite that has been caught on the electric lines and must release the string immediately because it can expose the person to electrocution, which could be fatal.” added Lazaro.

Unfortunately, some of the affected customers due to kite flying were vital installations such as hospitals in the Davao del Norte area namely Rivera Medical Center Inc. Hospital, Metropolitan Polymedic Community Hospital Inc., Matutes Medical Clinic and Hospital, and Estela Medical Clinic and Pharmacy. These hospitals experienced service disruption twice, last March 4 and April 16, all caused by kite flying.
 
“As we face the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 Pandemic, having a continuous power supply especially in hospitals is vital.

Aside from the fact that it can cause fatality due to electrocution, the other worst thing that could happen is disrupting power supply of the Southern Philippine Medical Center and the facilities of the City, where the Suspected/Probable COVID patients are currently housed.

Hence, we are calling everyone to strictly follow the rules under the ECQ by staying at home and not flying kites near overhead power lines.” said Davao Light President and COO, Rodger S. Velasco.


“Davao Light is now seeking help from the barangays to ask for their involvement in reporting any incident that may disturb or obstruct power lines such as kite flying and planting of tall-growing trees.” Velasco said.

Moreover, the company is also strengthening its campaign on Republic Act No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act which prohibits the planting of tall-growing plants and trees, construction of hazardous improvements, and the conduct of any hazardous activities near power lines.