The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on Monday warned residents of Kaduna against dumping refuse near electricity transformers and poles.

The Managing Director, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company , Alhaji Idris Mohammad told the News agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that the warning followed the prevalence of such habits in parts of the city.

"It is a punishable offence", he said, adding that the organisation had assigned inspectors to identify such sites with a view to taking appropriate action.

Mohammad lamented that several of such refuse dumps, especially in Angwan Shanu area have been reported, saying that the company would not hesitate to prosecute offenders.

He noted that apart from the health hazard to residents, the dumps often triggered off power surge leading to the blowing up of transformers and collapse of electricity poles.

"Initiating refuse dumps where transformers and poles are erected poses danger to human lives and is responsible for shortage of electricity supply," the managing director added.

He urged the Kaduna State Government to provide adequate dumpsites to curb indiscriminate disposal of refuse in the city. NAN