The Project Implementation Unit (PIU), along with the Legal and System Operations (SO) Departments, recently participated in the Land Management Department’s (LMD) Right-of-Way (RoW) Sensitisation Tour. This tour served as the summit event for the Head Office engagements, aimed at promoting a deeper understanding and compliance with the new RoW Policy.
Ing. Kafui Kportufe and Major Lawrence Appiah (Rtd.) led insightful presentations on the latest RoW Policy, emphasising the challenges of encroachment on GRIDCo’s RoW and the strategies to address them.
Below are some Questions (Q) and Answers (A) from the session:
Q: What is the reason for not spraying the trees, which could harm or damage the transmission lines or towers, in the vegetation zone within our RoW?
A: We use chemicals to spray the trees, but we typically apply them only on short trees that may pose a threat soon. For the tall trees that are nearing the transmission lines, we cut them down with chainsaws to prevent them from falling on the lines. The chemicals are used exclusively on very short trees to ensure they die off and do not become a problem later.
Q: Does the RoW have a detailed argument to support the new policy?
A: Yes, the RoW typically has a detailed argument to support the new policy. This includes considerations such as, safety, line maintenance, and environmental impact. It is also backed by law.
Q: I would like to know how the RoW Team manages instances where opinion leaders intervene to stop a demolition. What actions would the Team take?
A: We are resolute to demolish every building that encroaches on the RoW without showing favouritism. Besides, we always provide detailed explanations and evidence to justify the necessity of the demolition.
