Orion to install very high voltage cables in residential streets

Residents of Bickerton Street and McBratneys Road where Orion is about to install a 66kV overhead cable are upset. Orion's plans were only made known to residents on Thursday via a maildrop.

Although Orion initially appeared to be prepared to answer residents' concerns at a meeting on Saturday and suggested visiting a similar cable which was installed soon after the February 22nd earthquake, there has been no communication since. We have heard from an arborist employed by Orion that installation of poles is set to begin this Thursday 31st March, rather than Monday 11th April as previously advised.

Residents have the following concerns; *the stability of 12m high poles in ground which has undergone serious liquefaction, particualry considering the very high voltage of the cables *potential health risks, particularly for children, associated with living in close proximity to high voltage, unshielded, cables *the effect on property prices over the two to three years that the poles are to be in place *the lack of consultation from Orion.

Below is a cartoon was produced by a Bickerton Street resident:

Click to enlarge

ENDS

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