JEDCO power distribution network being relocated at Jebel Market on 13th December 2023 - Credit: Koang Pal Chang/Eye Radio.

Juba Electricity Distribution Company (JEDCO) on Saturday started the disconnection and relocation of electricity power lines wired close to a shopping centre under construction in Juba.

This comes after a Facebook post by Eye Radio narrated the incident, which prompted members of the public to voice concerns regarding the transformer and electric poles around the building in Jebel Market.

JEDCO said in a statement Saturday that the transformer and the distribution line connections were done in 2018 during the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the power network.

The electricity distributor said the site where it is evacuating the power lines, was empty then and of no threat to public safety when it started installing the distribution lines.

“This is to inform the public that we have already met with the contractors and agreed for the network to be relocated and our team will finish the relocation by Saturday 16th December 2023,” JEDCO said.

“We explore this opportunity to urge the public that any construction or work near the power lines should be communicated and done in coordination with JEDCO team to assure safety of human lives.”

“As well, we thank the public, especially Eye Radio and other media outlets for notifying us of any unsafe activities in our neighbourhood.”