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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Residents of Ahoada in Rivers State and Yenegoa in Bayelsa State, who endured a frustrating five-month power outage since July 29th, can now breathe a sigh of relief as electricity has been restored to the areas.
According to a statement from the General Manager, Public Affairs of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah, the company has restored bulk power supply through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line.
This, she said, followed the successful reconstruction of collapsed towers and restringing of vandalised 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, Engineer 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 energisation” she said.
However, Mbah, noted that TCN is discussing with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers states to seek ways of educating the indigenes on how to protect the infrastructure in their domain.
“On the other hand, discussions are under way with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers states to implement a comprehensive community engagement programme. This initiative seeks to educate local communities traversed by the transmission line on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure. Additionally, the programme 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” the statement, further explained, pointing out that the efforts would help curb the frequent incidences of vandalism..
“These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidences 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.
“TCN appeals to the public to support the nationwide campaign against the vandalism of power infrastructure. Collective action is essential to safeguarding the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development” TCN noted.
