The Land Management Department (LMD) engaged staff of the Tema Operational Area and Project Implementation Unit (PIU) on the new Right-of-Way (RoW) Management Policy. The engagement forms part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to educate staff on the policy, which tackles the challenges of managing GRIDCo’s RoW, and to provide effective means of addressing them.
In his opening remarks, Ing. Doku, Prestea Area Manager, highlighted the RoW Management Policy as an indication of Management’s commitment to tackling the pervasive issue of encroachment, vandalism, theft, and vices, which pose a threat to GRIDCo’s operations. He labelled the engagement as a forum to breakdown the policy to the understanding of all staff and solicit staff support in addressing these challenges.
Manager, RoW Vegetation Control, Ing. Kafui Kportufe led the presentation on the new RoW Policy, whiles Major Lawrence Appiah (Rtd.), Manager Security and RoW Protection, highlighted the achievements and challenges of the RoW Protection Section.
Below are highlights of Questions (Q) and Answers (A) from the session.
Q: Where does GRIDCo’s RoW start from?
A: For the 69kV and 161kV, a clearance of 15 meters is required on either side from the centre point, totaling 30 meters. And for the 225kV and 330kV transmission lines, a wider clearance of 20 meters on either side from the centre point, totaling 40 meters.
Q: Since several initiatives covered by the RoW Management Policy are already underway, what specific goal and innovations does the policy aim to achieve? What distinguishes this policy from existing practices?
A: This policy aims to establish a structured approach to RoW activities, providing a guide and a comprehensive framework for planning, executing, and for effective implementation. It is also intended to facilitate communication, coordination and serve as reference point for collaboration with key stakeholders of the subject matter.
Q: I would appreciate an update on the operational status of the Line Maintenance Team. Also, to improve accountability, would you consider implementing a QR code-based tracking system, enabling the team to scan and record their inspections, which will provide a verifiable audit trail?
A: The Line Maintenance team faces significant challenges, due to restricted access to transmission lines. To address this, the plan is to dredge a viable access route. Additionally, we plan to enhance monitoring, data collection and integrate aerial surveillance by incorporating GRIDCo’s drone team.
Q: How can opinion leaders be effectively involved and sensitised without creating a perceived conflict of interest?
A: While a standardised framework and baseline approach exist for sensitising opinion leaders, peculiar regional circumstances can determine how to address the specific problem, as well as engaging opinion leaders.
