The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of bulk power supply through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line, three months after it was destroyed by vandals.
This comes after the successful reconstruction of collapsed towers and the restringing of vandalised conductors by TCN contractors.
According to a statement released by TCN General Manager Ndidi Mbah on Tuesday, the energisation took place at 8:03 p.m. on November 30, 2024.
Mbah also stated that 20 electricity transmission towers were replaced.
Vandals vandalised the power line in August, damaging 13 towers in several towns, including Okobe village, Ahoada East, and Mbiama in Rivers State’s Ahoada West LGA.
The incident subsequently hit seven additional towers, providing Bayelsa state with grid electricity.
The statement read, “A final inspection of work done was conducted on November 28, 2024, by a team of TCN engineers, led by the Port Harcourt Region General Manager, Engr. Emmanuel Akpa.
“The team verified the integrity of the 20 newly erected towers (Nos. 48–64 and 97–99) that were destroyed in a series of vandalism incidents on July 29 and August 12, 2024. After confirming that all work met the required standards, the line was cleared for energisation.”
The statement also noted that the company has commenced conversations with the host communities to prevent a reoccurrence.
It explained, “On the other hand, discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers States to implement a comprehensive community engagement program. This initiative seeks to educate local communities traversed by the transmission line on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.
“Additionally, the program will involve appointing community representatives to oversee the security of power equipment in their areas. This approach aims to foster a sense of local ownership and accountability for the infrastructure.
“These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidents of large-scale vandalism, which left Bayelsa State in total blackout since July 29, 2024. The economic losses incurred by residents, as well as the significant financial burden on TCN to restore the towers, have been substantial.”
TCN called on the public to support the nationwide campaign against the vandalism of power infrastructure, stressing that “Collective action is essential to safeguarding the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development.”
