From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has announced that another four tower along Owerri-Ahoada 132kV Double Circuit line, have been vandalised, resulting in their collapse.
According to a statement by the General Manager TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said, the affected towers, T171 to T174, were compromised, which led to their collapse at approximately 6:23 pm on Tuesday, 11th March.
The statement further said that, the towers were discovered after a failed trial reclosure that prompted a subsequent patrol.
“Our Investigation team confirmed that the towers’ collapse was a direct result of vandalism. This incident has disrupted power supply to the Ahoda, Gbarain, and Yenagoa 132kV transmission substations, affecting some parts of Rivers State and the entire Bayelsa State”.
However, a team of engineers, led by the General Manager of the Port Harcourt Region, Engr. Emmanuel Apka, has visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
TCN is making frantic effort to mobilize personnel and materials for the repair of the vandalised towers so that the bulk power supply can be restored to the affected states, the statement added
It also condemned the act of vandalism, which continues to undermine efforts made to put in place a robust transmission grid. “We are again calling on host communities to join us in the urgent fight against the vandalism of power infrastructure.”