TCN begins rehabilitation of four vandalised towers in Rivers

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says rehabilitation works have begun on the four vandalised towers along the Afam/IPP/Elelenwo 132-Kilovolt (kV) Double-Circuit Transmission Line in Rivers State.

The company’s management announced this in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday night.

The company said the affected towers, identified as T50, T51, T52 and T53, were detected on 6 August by its linesmen.

Further inspection revealed that critical bracing members had been removed from the towers, compromising the structural integrity of all four.

“Following this, TCN urgently mobilised to the site, a contractor who would carry out the repairs.

“A formal handover ceremony was held on Tuesday by the Port Harcourt Transmission Region to mark the commencement of the rehabilitation works,” it said.

Speaking during the handover, Azu Lucky, head of Lines, Port Harcourt Transmission Region, representing TCN management, emphasised the need for greater community involvement in protecting transmission infrastructure.

Mr Lucky called on the Elelenwo residents, their traditional rulers, and the local government chairman to assist TCN in the fight against vandals as the rehabilitation works progressed.

He also said that sustained community awareness and cooperation were essential to preventing further vandalism.

“We are mindful of the risk that vandalism of these towers poses to reliable transmission of electricity along the corridor.

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“The company will do everything possible to ensure the timely completion of the rehabilitation works.

“TCN appeals to residents of Elelenwo and surrounding communities to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts and to remain vigilant against acts of vandalism around transmission facilities,” he said.

He said the cooperation of the communities was critical to safeguarding the rehabilitated infrastructure and ensuring reliable power transmission along the line.