11kV PDB transformer threat to pedestrians

A transformer of Power Development Board (PDB) has been set up dangerously on the road instead of 10 feet above the ground as required by the rules, posing a threat of serious accident.

Locals said the 11kV (11,000 volt) transformer was set up at the crowded Chowrongi intersection in the district town when the previous one went out of order over one month ago, adding that the officials concerned seemed indifferent when the matter was brought to their notice several times.

The transformer on the road is connected to the main transmission line of the national grid with heavy metal wire attached to the eastern boundary wall of the Sadar Upazila Health Complex.

Thousands of people pass by the risky spot every day, and there are also five educational institutions nearby. Cars, trucks, buses, battery-run three-wheelers and rickshaw vans ply there to different directions all the time.

PDB has surrounded the transformer with a metallic net as a protective measure without ensuring safety as many people, especially children, try to touch the transformer through the net's wide gaps.

“There might be a fatal accident any time due to the high-voltage electricity and the combustible oil,” said Dr Sirajul Islam, upazila health and family planning officer of Sadar Upazila Health Complex.

Monira Afroz and Tamanna Zerin, students at Nilphamari Girls' High School, said many students like them cross the risky area twice a day. “We feel scared whenever we go close to the transformer as the road is always crowded,” said Laila Sultana, another student.

Hotel owner Abdul Hafiz said they felt afraid as the transformer emitted sparks whenever something touched it. Even short-circuits occur daily, which may become devastating any time.

Municipal Councillor Anisur Rahman said he had brought the matter to the notice of local PDB officials many times but they are yet to respond.

Executive Engineer of Nilphamari PDB Abu Sayed Sarker said they set up the transformer on the road temporarily as the damaged old one was sent to PDB workshop in Dinajpur for repairing.

“We expect to get the repaired transformer back very soon and then it will be set up on high poles in the proper way, replacing the old one on the road,” Sarker added.