By Rico
Copyright qcostarica
In Costa Rica, where tourism and technology increasingly shape daily life, the issue of loose cables often slips under the radar. But ignoring these seemingly minor hazards can lead to serious consequences, from safety risks to costly repairs and service interruptions.
Whether tangled wires in busy urban centers or neglected cables in remote areas, overlooking this problem not only threatens infrastructure but also impacts public welfare and economic stability.
Understanding the true cost of neglecting loose cables reveals why attention and action are overdue in this vibrant country.
Neglected infrastructure doesn’t just mar the look of our towns and neighborhoods; it also poses real risks to both animals and people.
As demand for TV and internet services keeps climbing, our poles have become overloaded with a mess of cables. This tangle isn’t just an eyesore—it’s a hazard waiting to happen.
Trucks, strong winds, and other everyday events can damage these crowded lines, leaving broken or hanging cables behind. These abandoned wires aren’t just annoying; they often dangle dangerously close to the ground, putting pedestrians at risk. On a single pole, you’ll find everything from low-voltage cables to those carrying thousands of volts.
Loose cables might look harmless, but they can be deadly traps.
Most cables, even fiber optics, have metal wires inside so they can be strung up on poles. If these metal parts touch live electrical lines, anyone—or any animal—who comes into contact could be seriously hurt. On top of that, the clutter of wires has led to accidents involving wildlife, harming creatures like monkeys and sloths in rural areas and squirrels and birds in the city.
We’re already taking steps near natural parks to reduce these dangers, but it’s just as urgent to do the same in urban neighborhoods.
Fixing this won’t be cheap or easy, but it’s necessary. Clearing out unused cables, pushing forward with underground wiring projects despite their cost, and adding protective covers to keep animals off poles are all important moves.
It’ll take teamwork between utility companies and local governments to make sure our electrical system grows without putting people and wildlife in harm’s way.
