GistReel

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of power to the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV line, which was recently vandalized by criminals.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Rivers and Bayelsa State governments to raise awareness among local communities about the importance of safeguarding power infrastructure.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mrs. Mbah explained that the planned community engagement aims to appoint local representatives to oversee and protect power lines. She emphasized the need for communities to take ownership of the infrastructure, as this would help prevent further acts of vandalism.

It read: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announces 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.

“A 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. 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.

“On the other hand, discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers States to implement a comprehensive community engagement program. This initiative 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.”