BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of power supply to Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV line, ending a four-month blackout in major parts of Bayelsa State.
The General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, announced the development during a press briefing in Port Harcourt.
Anyaegbulem stated that the region oversees electricity transmission in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Imo, and Rivers States.
He explained that the blackout began on July 29, following the vandalism of 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV line, which posed a substantial challenge to the communities in Bayelsa State.
Explaining further, he said, “The 132KV line is the only transmission line that supply electricity to Bayelsa state.
“The repairs of the collapsed towers presented a significant challenge for us, considering that the blackout lasted from July 29 until November 30, when we restored the lines.”
Anyaegbulem also pointed out that the construction of a single transmission tower cost approximately N13 million.
According to the General Manager, once vandals cut off the brackets that holds a tower, the structure becomes vulnerable to the slightest breeze.
He continued, “After the criminals vandalised the tower, it collapsed and caused the failure of about 20 other transmission towers between Ahoada in Rivers State and Yenagoa in Bayelsa state.
“We are delighted to have erected and restrung the 20 damaged 132KV towers after four months of hardship endured by the residents.”
Anyaegbulam who revealed that police officers attached to TCN had arrested about 10 suspects caught vandalising the company’s facilities in the region since this year, said out of the 10 suspects arrested, four had already been convicted by the courts, while six remained in police custody.
However, despite the challenge faced, the General Manager highlighted significant milestones the company has achieved throughout this year.
“This includes the installation of a 100 Megavolt-Amperes (MVA) power transmission transformer at the Port Harcourt main transmission substation, as well as the rehabilitation of the 132/33KV switch yard.
“We also took delivery of a 150MVA 330/33KV power transformer at TCN’s Adjabo transmission substation within the Port Harcourt main transmission substation.
“Other achievements include the upgrade of the Itu 132/33KV transmission substation with the addition of a 60MVA transformer, three outgoing feeders, digital control panels, circuit breakers, isolators among others, he said.
Anyaegbulem restated the company’s commitment to providing electricity to Distribution Companies (DisCos) to enable them to ensure uninterrupted power supply to customers.