… optimistic about completing 4 vandalized towers reconstruction despite security challenges

Oredola Adeola

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has assured the North East Governors Forum (NEGF) that power supply will be restored by May 27, 2024, through the new 330kV transmission line.

It emphasized that the four vandalized towers on the Gombe axis near completion, with one tower at 90%, another at 80%, a third at 60%, and the fourth at 40%.

Ndidi Mbah, TCN, General Manager, Public Affairs, made this known in a statement on Monday, obtained by Advisors Reports.

According to her, the TCN has promised the North East Governors Forum (NEGF) that it is doing everything possible in its power to ensure the restoration of power supply to the North Eastern axis of the country.

She said, ” We are acutely aware that the lack of power supply presents significant difficulties and challenges, and we understand the concerns of the governors for their people and the day-to-day running of governance and businesses. We are not happy about the situation.

“Our team has been tirelessly working to rebuild the four towers destroyed by vandals, and we will not rest until power is restored to all the affected areas.

TCN therefore appealled for a little more patience, stating that work is truly advancing.

She said, “We are pushing our contractors very hard to ensure we deliver on our promise of rebuilding the towers and energizing the transmission line.

“Despite the recent increase in vandalism, we have continued to rebuild towers each time they are damaged and have consistently restored supply.

“The four vandalized towers on the Gombe axis are no exception. Despite our prevailing poor liquidity, we have mobilized all necessary resources to ensure this job gets the attention it requires.

“To expedite the work, we have insisted that the contractor put in place and on-site machines that will help increase the fabrication processes of tower members which is ongoing.

“A visit to the site will show that the towers are nearing completion,” the statement revealed.

TCN also noted that the security situation prevents them from working through the night, which they would have preferred to expedite the project.

Mbah however, emphasized that TCN remain optimistic about completing the reconstruction and energizing the line within the given time frame.

“We understand the urgency to restore power to the affected communities in the Northeast.

“While the security challenges limit our ability to work around the clock, we are committed to finishing this critical project as quickly and safely as possible during daylight hours,” the TCN spokesperson.

TCN has therefore appealled for patience and assured that it is working very hard to complete the work within the timeframe.