TCN Commences Repair of 4 Vandalised Towers in Rivers State

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says rehabilitation work has commenced on four vandalised towers along the Afam/IPP/Elelenwo 132 Kilo Volt (kV) Double Circuit Transmission Line in Rivers State.

The company's management disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday night, identifying the affected towers as T50, T51, T52 and T53. According to TCN, the damage was first detected on August 6 by its linesmen during routine inspection.

Further checks revealed that critical bracing members had been removed from all four towers, significantly compromising their structural integrity. "Following this, TCN urgently mobilised to site, a contractor that would effect the repairs. A formal handover ceremony was held Tuesday, by the Port Harcourt Transmission Region to mark the commencement of the rehabilitation works," the statement said.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Mr Azu Lucky, Head of Lines for the Port Harcourt Transmission Region, who represented the company's management, stressed the need for greater community involvement in safeguarding transmission infrastructure.

He called on residents of Elelenwo, their traditional rulers, and the Local Government Chairman to support TCN's efforts against vandalism as rehabilitation work progresses, adding that sustained community awareness and cooperation remain essential to preventing further incidents.

"We are mindful of the risk that vandalism of these towers poses to reliable transmission of electricity along the corridor. The company will do everything possible to ensure the timely completion of the rehabilitation works," Lucky said. "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 added that cooperation from local communities remains critical to protecting the rehabilitated infrastructure and ensuring reliable power transmission along the line going forward.