The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN has stated that vandals have collapsed 3 electricity towers along the Biu-Damboa 132kv powerline and have removed tower members on one tower along the Makurdi-Jos 330kv transmission line.
The transmission company revealed this in a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah on Tuesday.
According to the statement, one of the four new towers erected by its contractors along the Jos-Gombe 330kv transmission line, Tower T290 collapsed during the cable stringing process.
Mr Mbah expressed disappointment at the action of the vandals and emphasized how it has affected the target date of the restoration of power in the affected areas.
The G.M. highlighted the tireless efforts of its contractors, staff, and security operatives in ensuring the success of this project in spite of the security challenges.
“Despite of the security challenges in the area, TCN contractors and some of our engineering staff worked tirelessly to fast-track the project, doing all that was humanly possible to meet the timeline.
“Daily, the contractor, TCN engineers accompanied by security operatives consistently left the site by 10pm in the night and resumed work at 6am every day”. The statement read.
Mbah expressed worry at the constant vandalism of the powerlines and the consequent setback in the completion of the project.
“It is unfortunate to note that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalized towers, three (3) towers along the Biu-Damboa 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen.
“The towers which have all collapsed include, towers T1690, T1692, and T1692. TCN has mobilized a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by TCN patrol team, last Friday.
“Additionally, this morning, the TCN lines patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi-Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line has been vandalized. Sections of the tower have been removed, although the tower remains standing. TCN has contracted emergency repairs, to prevent its collapse.” He stated.
Mr Mbah reiterated the Transmission company’s commitment to the restoration of bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North-East and other areas affected by the vandalism.
He also called on everyone within the area to urgently join hands with TCN to ensure the protection of the collective assets through vigilance and also report any suspicious acts of tower and line vandalism promptly.
