ALTON decries weather conditions in Lagos, sympathises with subscribers, victims

The Association of Licensed Telecommunication Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has decried the recent unprecedented storm that destroyed telecom masts in Lagos and commiserated with residents and especially telecommunication subscribers.

Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, ALTON

ITRealms Online recalls that in the early hours of Monday, February 13, 2012, many parts of Lagos witnessed an unusual occurrence of what has been aptly described as “hurricane-strength winds and rain” which tore through the city.

While commiserating with all those individuals and businesses who were negatively impacted by the storm, ALTON noted that they were particularly distressed to note that in addition to the several rooftops, trees, road signs, advertisement billboards and other structures which were felled by the storm, two masts belonging to telecommunications operators were similarly destroyed, causing damage to adjoining properties.

“In view of the extraordinary measures that ALTON and its members continue to take to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure are built to withstand the highest level of anticipated environmental stress,” ALTON stated in a press statement endorsed by its ALTON chairman, Mr. Gbenga Adebayo.

He also said that ALTON is naturally distressed at this occurrence and share the pains of all those affected and are pleased to note that the concerned operators are taking every possible measure to remediate the damage.

“We also wish to re-assure members of the public that ALTON and its members will continue to ensure that telecommunications infrastructure keep being designed and built to withstand extreme natural and other pressures, and that the integrity of our sites and installations is not compromised,” he said.

ALTO further assured Nigerians that every telecommunications installation is subjected to positive environmental impact analyses, and built to world-class specifications approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

According to ALTON, the events of Monday 13^th February indeed demonstrate the collective vulnerability to unexpected natural occurrences, despite having taken all necessary precautions.

As the Lagos State Governor has correctly noted, Nigeria is not immune to the unusual weather patterns caused by global warming and associated event, adding that the damage caused to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011 illustrates this point.

Pointing out that there are over 4,000 telecommunications masts in Lagos alone, unfortunately, two were reportedly affected by the unprecedented rain storm of Monday 13^th February.

“We, therefore wish to reassure all and sundry that there is absolutely no cause for alarm regarding the safety of telecommunications infrastructure,” he said.

ALTON and its members, Awonuga said, are committed to the highest standards of safety of our operations and equipment and will at all times remain so committed.

Remmy Nweke
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