BY AKUDORO GLORIA
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of bulk power supply through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line at 08:03 hours on November 30, 2024.
This follows the successful reconstruction of collapsed towers and restringing of vandalized conductors by TCN contractors.
TCN had on November 22 reported an attack on the ongoing repair of Ahoade-Yanagoa 132KV that happened on November 19 affecting tower 29 to 31 that resulted in the theft of approximately one-third of the conductor.
“Effort to replace the stolen 250mm are currently underway, despite challenges posed by difficult terrain and flooding, the restringing of the Ahoade-Yanagoa 132KV line is approximately 85 per cent complete,” it stated.
But a statement signed on Tuesday by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah indicated that the final inspection of work done, was conducted on November 28, 2024, by a team of TCN engineers, led by the Port Harcourt Region General Manager, Engr. Emmanuel Akpa.
She said the team verified the integrity of the 20 newly erected towers (Nos. 48–64 and 97–99) that were destroyed in a series of vandalism incidents on July 29 and August 12, 2024. After confirming that all work met required standards, the line was cleared for energization.
Mbah however stressed that discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers States to implement a comprehensive community engagement program.
This initiative, she said seeks to educate local communities traversed by the transmission line on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.
“Additionally, the program will involve appointing community representatives to oversee the security of power equipment in their areas. This approach aims to foster a sense of local ownership and accountability for the infrastructure.
“These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidents of large-scale vandalism, which left Bayelsa State in total blackout since July 29, 2024. The economic losses incurred by residents, as well as the significant financial burden on TCN to restore the towers, have been substantial,” thr GM explained.
TCN therefore, appealed to the public to support the nationwide campaign against the vandalism of power infrastructure, noting that collective action is essential to safeguarding the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development.