The Transmission Company of Nigeria has started rehabilitation work on the vandalised Ikot Abasi–Eket 132kV double-circuit transmission line in Akwa Ibom State. This effort aims to restore the affected electricity infrastructure and strengthen power transmission in the area. The rehabilitation exercise covers Towers J4 and N9 to N12, which were damaged by recent acts of vandalism along the transmission corridor.
The ongoing intervention by TCN seeks to repair the affected facilities and ensure that the transmission infrastructure meets approved engineering and operational standards. During an inspection of the rehabilitation site, the Regional Manager, Port Harcourt Region, Nasir Bello, emphasised the importance of strict compliance with engineering specifications. This is to guarantee the quality and timely completion of the project.
Bello, represented by Assistant General Manager, Transmission, Port Harcourt Region, Ubani Raymond, noted that substantial progress had been achieved since the commencement of the rehabilitation exercise. The vandalised towers have been dismantled and their foundations recast in preparation for subsequent construction activities. He called for greater collaboration between host communities and relevant security agencies to safeguard critical electricity infrastructure against further vandalism.
The regional manager appealed to residents of Ikot Abasi and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities around transmission facilities to the appropriate authorities. Protecting electricity infrastructure requires the collective commitment of host communities, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders, given the importance of transmission facilities to electricity supply.
Azuh Lucky, Head of Lines, Port Harcourt Transmission Region, underscored the need for sustained supervision of the rehabilitation exercise. This ensures that all construction activities conform to established engineering standards. He commended the management of TCN for engaging two contractors to expedite the rehabilitation of the affected transmission towers.
Lucky identified difficult terrain and persistent rainfall as major challenges affecting the pace of construction. These conditions have slowed the execution of some aspects of the rehabilitation work. Despite these challenges, he stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and strict adherence to technical specifications throughout the rehabilitation process.
Eguaikhide Clement, Principal Manager, Uyo Work Centre, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded on the project. He acknowledged the efforts of the contractors involved in restoring the damaged infrastructure and commended them for their dedication to the rehabilitation exercise. The rehabilitation forms part of TCN’s efforts to address damage caused by vandalism to its transmission infrastructure and restore the affected sections of the Ikot Abasi–Eket line.
Key points
- TCN commences rehabilitation of vandalised Ikot Abasi–Eket transmission line to restore power transmission in Akwa Ibom State.
- The rehabilitation exercise covers Towers J4 and N9 to N12 damaged by recent vandalism.
- TCN calls for collaboration between host communities and security agencies to prevent further vandalism.
