PLN's transmission tower in Kalimantan collapses due to theft
Saturday, June 25 2005 - 02:13 AM WIB
One of PLN's power transmission tower in Siantan Hilir district of the Pontianak regency, West Kalimantan collapsed early this week after thieves cut off the lower part of the tower,Kompas reported on Saturday.
Wisno Marjoko, the manager of the local office of PLN, said that the collapse of the tower cut off the power supply to several towns in the regency including Mempawah and Singkawang.
He said that all of the steel bars of the tower were stolen, resulting a financial loss to the company to over Rp 350 million. "An emergency tower is being constructed to enable PLN to resume the power supply to the affected areas," he added.
The increase in the price of iron has made PLN's transmission towers, mostly located in isolated areas vulnerable to theft. A similar tower owned by PLN in the province was also stolen recently. (*)