Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ibrahim Ramalan
Published on 2024-02-28 11:06:35
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has reported that its 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line was destroyed by vandals, leading to a reduction in power supply flexibility and volume by 250MW in Abuja. Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, issued a statement in Abuja on Wednesday confirming the incident.
The destruction of tower 70 on the TCN’s 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) occurred on a Monday night at around 11:32 pm. The line had tripped at the Gwagwalada Transmission Substation, and despite several attempts to restore power, physical inspection of the line was necessary.
TCN’s patrol team found that the footings of tower 70 had been destroyed, causing the tower to collapse and be supported only by conductors. In response to this emergency, TCN mobilized to the site and began repairs on the damaged tower and its associated equipment.
This is not the first incidence of vandalism impacting TCN’s transmission lines. On December 11, 2023, the Gwagwalada-Kukwaba-Apo 132KV Transmission line 1 was vandalized between Towers 23 and 25. These acts of sabotage have serious consequences, affecting the reliability and stability of the power supply in the region.
The TCN is working diligently to restore power and strengthen its infrastructure to prevent future occurrences of vandalism. The company plays a critical role in ensuring the transmission of electricity across Nigeria, and any disruption to its operations can have widespread implications for the country’s power sector.
It is essential for the government and law enforcement agencies to increase efforts to protect critical infrastructure like the TCN’s transmission lines. Vandalism not only disrupts power supply but also poses a significant risk to safety and security. Strict penalties and enhanced security measures are necessary to deter these criminal activities and safeguard the country’s power infrastructure.
In conclusion, the recent vandalism of TCN’s 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line is a stark reminder of the challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector. Addressing these issues requires a collaborative effort between the government, law enforcement, and the energy industry to protect critical infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted power supply, and promote sustainable development.
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