Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mary Izuaka
Published on 2024-02-28 14:21:05
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Wednesday that Tower 70 along its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line was vandalized, causing a significant reduction in power supply to Abuja. The TCN General Manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, reported that the incident occurred on February 26 at 11:32 pm.
According to Ms. Mbah, the vandalization of Tower 70 has led to a decrease in the flexibility and volume of power supplied to Abuja by 250MW. The damage to the transmission line resulted in a disruption to the power supply and necessitated immediate repair work to restore normal operations.
On the night of the incident, the Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line tripped at the Gwagwalada transmission substation, and attempts to reclose it were unsuccessful. A physical patrol of the line was conducted, revealing that the footings of Tower 70 were vandalized, causing the tower to collapse to the ground, supported only by conductors.
In response to the incident, the TCN mobilized to the site and began emergency repairs on the damaged tower and associated equipment. The company emphasized the importance of vigilance in preventing vandalism of power equipment and urged the public to report any suspicious activities around power infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
Vandalism of transmission infrastructures and distribution equipment has become a recurring issue in the country, leading to disruptions in power supply and significant financial losses. The TCN is working to address these challenges and strengthen the security of its facilities to mitigate future incidents.
Photos of the vandalized transmission line show the extent of the damage caused by the vandalism. The images depict Tower 70 along the 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line, which is now lying on the ground due to the destruction of its footings.
The TCN continues to emphasize the need for public cooperation in safeguarding power infrastructure and preventing vandalism. By raising awareness and promoting a culture of responsibility among citizens, the TCN hopes to reduce the frequency of such incidents and ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply for all Nigerians.
In conclusion, the recent vandalism of Tower 70 along the 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe transmission line highlights the challenges faced by the TCN and the importance of protecting critical infrastructure from malicious activities.
The TCN is committed to restoring the damaged facilities and enhancing security measures to prevent future disruptions in power supply. By working together, we can safeguard the nation’s power infrastructure and ensure a more stable and resilient energy sector for all.
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