the collapse of a concrete electricity pylon on a car on 29 June 2025 at St Joseph, in Baie du Tombeau, he w…
(No. B/701) Ms A. Savabaddy (First Member for Port Louis North & Montagne Longue) asked the Minister of Energy and Public Utilities whether, in regard to the collapse of a concrete electricity pylon on a car on 29 June 2025 at St Joseph, in Baie du Tombeau, he will for the benefit of the House, obtain from the Central Electricity Board, information as to whether – (a) an inquiry has been initiated thereinto and, if so, indicate the outcome thereof, and (b) regular assessment of the state of electricity pylons over the whole network is carried out, indicating if any replacement thereof has been carried out over the past five years.
Reply: I am informed by the Central Electricity Board (CEB) that the collapse of a concrete electricity pole on a car on Sunday 29 June 2025 at St Joseph Road, Baie du Tombeau, occurred following an accident where the car crashed into a CEB reinforced concrete pole, resulting in the pole being broken upon impact. As regards to part (a) of the question, I am informed that the accident was reported to the Terre Rouge Police Station and an enquiry is ongoing. At the level of CEB, the Civil
129 Engineering Section conducted a technical assessment on 30 June 2025, where it was found that the reinforced concrete pole broke following the impact of the collision. I am informed that the assessment further revealed that there was no deficiency in the reinforcement or the structural integrity of the pole. Verification confirmed that the pole was planted to the required depth in accordance with applicable standards, and the base of the pole was securely and properly established. I am also informed that the concrete pole was replaced on the same day, that is, on 29 June 2025. As regards to part (b) of the question, I am informed that the CEB has a continuous pole inspection program undertaken across the island to assess and ensure the structural integrity of its utility poles. As part of this preventive maintenance strategy, some 1,500 to 2,000 poles, comprising wood, steel and concrete poles are replaced each year based on condition assessments. LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS – AUTOGAS DISPENSERS – SAFETY MEASURES