Somaliland: Comprehensive Solutions to Prevent Electrical Fires:
The recent fire incidents have left a significant mark on Hargeisa’s main markets, as well as several towns across the region, leading to severe damage and disruption. Investigations revealed that an alarming 65% of these fires can be traced back to faulty Electrical connections and poor installation practices.
This highlights a critical issue that not only endangers lives and property but also underscores the urgent need for improved safety standards and regulations regarding electrical systems in commercial and residential buildings. The community is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding while ensuring that future occurrences are prevented through proper electrical maintenance and training for technicians.
Despite my extensive experience in this sector, I have observed that electrical installations remain the foremost contributors to devastating fires. The complexities of these incidents often stem from underlying issues that are frequently overlooked. In the following discussion, I will detail the primary causes of these fires and propose a range of comprehensive solutions to address this persistent problem, especially in primary markets and similar operational environments.
Poor installation practices, outdated wiring systems, and the use of substandard electrical components are among the leading factors contributing to electrical fires. Many establishments continue to rely on aging infrastructures that fail to meet contemporary safety standards. Additionally, lack of regular maintenance and insufficient training for personnel handling electrical systems exacerbate these risks.
To mitigate these dangers, it’s imperative to implement rigorous safety protocols and conduct regular inspections of electrical installations. Upgrading infrastructure to comply with current standards and ensuring the use of high-quality materials is essential. Furthermore, investing in training programs for employees on best practices for electrical safety can help foster a culture of awareness and prevention.
By addressing these critical issues with a proactive and informed approach, we can significantly reduce the incidence of electrical fires and protect both lives and property in vulnerable markets.
Identified Causes of Electrical Fires:
1. Substandard Installation Practices: There is a prevalent trend of poor installation work that lacks essential protective measures.
2. Low-Quality Electrical Appliances: Many electrical devices, including switches, circuit breakers, and installation wires, fail to meet international safety standards. These subpar products significantly increase the risk of electrical malfunctions that can lead to fires.
3. Untrained Electricians: A considerable number of electricians in our region lack formal training, resulting in unsafe installation practices that do not adhere to established safety protocols.
4. Intense Competition Among Power Providers: The competitive nature of power provision companies has led to hasty and inadequate installations in a bid to attract and retain customers, compromising safety in the process.
5. Absence of Quality Control Policies: There is currently no robust quality control mechanism in place for imported electrical materials, allowing substandard equipment to enter the market unchecked.
6. Inadequate Oversight by the National Electric Commission: The National Electric Commission of Somaliland lacks the budget and resources necessary to oversee electrician training programs or enforce compliance with regulatory standards for electrical installations.
7. The Somaliland Electric Commission must prioritize enhancing its capacity and expertise in the energy sector. This is essential for ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply that meets the needs of our community and drives future growth.
Comprehensive Solutions to Prevent Electrical Fires:
1. Strengthening Electrical Installation Standards:
• Mandatory Compliance with International Standards: We must adopt and enforce regulations based on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the National Electrical Code (NEC). This will ensure that all electrical work adheres to global safety benchmarks, mitigating the risks of fire hazards.
• Standardized Installation Procedures: It is essential to mandate that only licensed electricians utilize a government (Somaliland Electric Commission)-approved electrical installation manual, ensuring consistency and safety across all projects.
• Certified Electrical Materials: We must prohibit the import, sale, and use of substandard electrical components such as wires, switches, sockets, and circuit breakers. Only materials certified as meeting international safety standards should be allowed in the market.
Conclusion & Call to Action
To eliminate the recurring issue of market fires, Somaliland must take urgent and decisive action. This includes:
✅ Implementing strict electrical safety regulations.
✅ Improving electrician training and licensing.
✅ Regulating power companies to prevent rushed installations.
✅ Ensuring quality control of electrical materials.
✅ Strengthening fire prevention systems and emergency response.
✅ Raising public awareness of fire safety.
By addressing these critical issues and implementing comprehensive solutions, we can significantly reduce the incidence of electrical fires and enhance safety for all businesses and consumers in the affected regions.
Submitted by:
Abdi Ali Barkhad
Senior Consultant Electrical Engineer
Tra50526@gmail.com 3/2/2024
I fully endorse President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullah’s call for a national discourse on this urgent matter, and I am prepared to play a pivotal role in this essential discussion.
The information contained in the article posted represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views or opinions commentators. the article a opininian of the author don’t necessarily reflect the Editorial policy of Araweelo News Network.