The unbridled occupation of the partial protection zones of power lines or servitudes by the population is leaving the public company Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) aggravated, as they are having a negative impact on the process of expanding the National Electricity Grid..

According to the chairman of EDM's board of directors, Marcelino Alberto, who was speaking last Thursday during a conference on "Irregular Occupation of Power Line Easements", this involves the construction of residential and commercial infrastructures, as well as farming and other activities.

Marcelino Alberto said that the irregular constructions in the servitudes are an obstacle to the materialization of EDM's projects.

"While carrying out its operational activities of building, reinforcing and extending the electricity grid, EDM is faced with numerous situations that challenge the implementation of transmission and distribution line projects, such as land-use planning," said the official, quoted by AIM, emphasizing that "we have noticed a worrying growth in the irregular occupation of the partial protection zones of power lines with the construction of residential and commercial infrastructures, which creates major constraints during the operational phases and entails high compensation and resettlement costs."

In view of the situation, he said that there is an urgent need to improve structuring and coordination between the various institutions that implement similar projects and those that govern land management.

With their coordination, "ambiguities and deficiencies in the interpretation of the law will be reduced, with a view to better governance and management of the public good and protection of the lives and integrity of citizens".