NAJRAN – Residents of Balad district in central Najran are threatening to take legal action against the Saudi Electricity Company for installing high-voltage overhead power lines close to their homes without following safety guidelines and endangering public life. The residents urged the company to adopt immediate corrective measures to prevent potential accidents. "We'll take legal action against the Saudi Electricity Company for spreading fear among the residents of Balad district," said Salim Al-Saeed while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette. "We need quick action from the company to mitigate the potential danger," Al-Saeed said. Ahmed Al-Sharief said the SEC should take measures to prevent deadly electric shocks. The company should remove those high-tension lines that pass through the district to prevent deadly accidents, he added. "Some of these lines touch windows, doors and roofs of our homes and this could cause fires and endanger the lives of residents any moment," Al-Sharief said. He warned against installing power generators near homes, saying it could create catastrophes, especially when fire breaks out due to high pressure or extreme temperatures. Hussein Al-Sharief said workers refused to complete the construction of his house when they saw high-voltage lines passing over the plot of land. "The company should follow safety instructions while installing such high-tension power lines in residential areas," he insisted. Muhsin Mohammed Al-Sharief also warned the public about the potential danger posed by the high-tension lines. "Our homes are encircled by these electric lines, which could cause electric shocks," he added. "It's unfortunate that authorities would not take any action until some deadly accidents occur," he pointed out. Ahmed Abdullah urged the electricity company to intervene immediately to stop the danger. He feared that rainfall and cyclone would exacerbate the situation. "We hold the Saudi Electricity Company responsible for any possible accidents caused by this haphazard installation of high-voltage lines through residential areas," he said.
