Energy
Escom advised against use of untreated poles for high voltage transmission lines
October 21, 2020 / Tawina Maluwa
Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) has advised the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) to avoid the use of untreated poles for high voltage transmission lines.
REIAMA President Andrew Nkoloma said in a Press Release that his association has observed that some poles used under Rural Electrification projects are not to the acceptable standard to carry high voltage power lines as they are not well treated and strong enough to carry high voltage (HV) lines.
Nkoloma cited an incident that happened in Chiradzulu at Malele village, T/A Kadwere where a fallen pole carrying 11kV lines to Nsoni area was spotted with lines almost blocking the road. He said a closer look at the pole revealed that it was eaten up by termites all inside but, apparently, the line is less than five years old.
“REIAMA has found this hazardous to the general public and immediate attention needs to be taken by ESCOM and any relevant authority,” he said.
Nkoloma urged players in the industry to urgently address the issue of substandard and not well treated poles, which was also raised by Minister of Energy Newton Kambala when he visited RAIPLY Limited.
He said: “REIAMA suggests that inspectors from Malawi Bureau of Standards and Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) visit timber processing plants and certify the wood treatment processes for HV poles. Existing power lines must be inspected and certified fit to continue carrying HV lines.”
“Any sub-standard and not properly treated poles in use must be replaced, every production batch of locally treated poles must be inspected and certified, and finally a toll-free phone number must be made available to the general public for reporting any such faults.”
Renewable Energy Industries Association of Malawi (REIAMA) is a membership association of players in Renewable Energy Industry in Malawi. One of their mandate is to provide a conducive environment for businesses and all players plying their trade in the technologies while at the same time protecting the consumer and general public.
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The establishment of a stable and self-sustaining ecosystem, but not necessarily the one that existed before mining began. In many cases, complete restoration may be impossible, but successful remediation, reclamation, and rehabilitation can result in the timely establishment of a functional ecosystem.
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The cleanup of the contaminated area to safe levels by removing or isolating contaminants. At mine sites, remediation often consists of isolating contaminated material in pre-existing tailings storage facilities, capping tailings and waste rock stockpiles with clean topsoil, and collecting and treating any contaminated mine water if necessary.
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