Tangled electric wires at the largest vegetable farm in Nghe An

Clip: Q.An - X.Hoàng

Power grid insecurity

Quynh Luu district currently has about 700 hectares dedicated to vegetable cultivation, the largest in Nghe An province, concentrated in vegetable-specialized communes such as Quynh Minh, Quynh Luong, and Quynh Bang…

In mid-April, walking through the vast vegetable fields here, besides the endless expanse of green, there are also some unsightly sights: hundreds of makeshift electricity poles of various sizes and materials, with wires haphazardly wrapped around them, covering the fields.

Locals extend electricity lines to their vegetable fields using makeshift poles. Photo: Quang An

Specifically, in the vegetable fields of Quynh Luong commune, Quynh Luu district, reporters observed numerous makeshift power poles. Residents arbitrarily connected electricity from neighboring households or from large power poles along the road to extend power lines to their fields. These poles varied greatly in size, including concrete pillars, iron bars, wooden trunks, bamboo, and reeds.

A series of utility poles are haphazardly arranged in the vegetable fields of Quynh Luong commune, Quynh Luu district. Photo: X. Hoang.

Notably, most of these connecting poles are makeshift, with weak, decaying wooden poles, old and damaged plugs and sockets, and sockets poorly covered with small pieces of plastic bottles and cans. Most dangerously, in many fields, these poles are crooked and haphazard, with tangled wires hanging down to shoulder height, posing a very high risk of electric shock.

Ms. NTH, a resident of Quynh Luong commune, said: "My family has 5 sao (approximately 0.5 hectares) of vegetable fields. For vegetables, water is the most important thing, especially during this hot season. So we've connected electricity to irrigate our crops. For fields near the riverbank, we connect electricity from our house; for fields further away, we connect from one house's field to another. We know it's difficult to ensure safety, but without electricity, we can't pump water and can't produce anything."

The electrical outlets are very poorly covered. Photo: Quang An

In reality, electricity is an essential need in the production of vegetables and crops in the coastal communes of Nghe An province in general and Quynh Luu district in particular. However, the unauthorized connection of electricity meters, poles, and sockets by residents without expertise is dangerous. Observations show that most of the electrical equipment used by residents is cheap and old, making them prone to short circuits and electrical leaks.

The electrical switchboard is located right next to a spot where people take their lunch break. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Proposal to upgrade the electrical system in vegetable growing areas.

According to our investigation, the practice of people connecting electricity to their vegetable farms has been going on for over a decade. The electricity is used for two main purposes: irrigation and nighttime lighting during peak vegetable production periods. While this is a legitimate need, electrical safety hazards and risks to farmers are entirely possible.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tue, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quynh Luong commune, shared: "The issue of electrical safety in the vegetable growing area has existed for many years. This is a matter of great concern to the locality, but there has been no solution yet. The commune is a key vegetable growing area of ​​the district, and the demand for electricity for the farmers' vegetable fields is high. However, in reality, the way farmers extend electricity to their fields is not safe. Especially during the rainy season, storms, and hot weather, the risk of short circuits is high."

A tangled mess of electrical wires is strung across the vegetable fields, posing a constant danger. Photo: Quang An

“The removal of these power poles could easily cause conflicts with vegetable farmers, forcing the vegetable growing area to halt production. Therefore, for old and dilapidated power poles, the commune has encouraged people to replace, cover, or dismantle them themselves to ensure safety. In the long term, the district and commune are currently proposing to higher levels the construction of a model vegetable field, which includes a recommendation to improve the electrical system for communes specializing in vegetable cultivation to ensure safety…,” Mr. Tue emphasized.

Discussing this issue, Mr. Tran Dinh Tu – Director of Quynh Luu Power Company – said: The problem of people arbitrarily extending power lines to vegetable growing areas has been going on for many years. Although it is unsafe, dismantling this power grid is not easy. People installing power lines and systems without contacting the relevant authorities poses inherent dangers, including the risk of short circuits and fires, and makes it difficult for the power company to manage and control electricity consumption. The best solution is to reinvest in the power grid infrastructure in this area, but this requires a roadmap and consultation with many agencies and units.

Old, dilapidated power poles with tangled connections stand out in the vegetable fields. Photo: Quang An.

Every year, the unit conducts awareness campaigns through various forms such as social media, loudspeakers, leaflets, warning signs, and guidance to encourage people to improve their awareness of electricity usage, replace old equipment, and ensure safe electrical shielding, especially during hot weather and storms. In addition, local authorities need to coordinate with the power company to inspect and remind households that have unsafe electrical connections so that corrective measures can be taken promptly.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/day-dien-chang-chit-tai-vua-rau-lon-nhat-nghe-an-post288117.html