Why TCN can’t meet May 27th N/East power restoration deadline
Omeiza Bilal
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has revealed that another of its transmission tower T540 along the Makurdi – Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line has been vandalized. According to the company, sections of the tower were removed.
A statement signed by GM, Public Affairs Ndidi Mbah on Monday in Abuja, noted that in spite of the vandalism, the tower is still standing.
“It is unfortunate to note that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three (3) towers along the Biu – Danbua 132kV transmission line were also vandalized with 16 spans of conductors stolen. The towers, which have all collapsed include towers T1690, T1691 and T1692. TCN has mobilized a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by TCN patrol team, last Friday.
“TCN has contracted emergency repairs, to prevent its collapse,” she said.
The latest incident is coming after vandas had earlier in the month vandalized four towers along the Jos – Gombe 330kV.
According to Mbah, the earlier promise by the company to restore power to the North East has witnessed a setback following the collapse of the fourth tower during the final restringing process.
The transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN hereby states that tower number T290, one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors along the Jos – Gombe 330kV transmission line collapsed during the cable stringing process.
“The incident occurred at about 7am, this morning, 27th May, 2024, while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energizing of the line today.
“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 time-line. 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.
“Constructing towers and stringing power cables at such heights is highly technical, although TCN contractors and staff have successfully completed similar projects in other parts of the country. The collapse of the fourth tower is a significant setback, given the extensive efforts to ensure that today’s power restoration timeline was met.
“Our contractor is currently dismantling the collapsed tower members, to enable its reconstruction and final restringing of the cable,” she added.
While reiterating its commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism, the company said “There is however an urgent need for everyone to join hand with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly.”
