*Bayelsa Government Urges Expansion of Transmission Network to Additional Communities
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has pledged to complete the reconstruction of collapsed transmission towers along the Mbiama-Ahoada axis of Rivers State and restore power supply to Bayelsa within six weeks.
Engineer Olugbenga Ajiboye, Director General of the transmission service provider (TSP), a TCN subsidiary, made the commitment during a courtesy visit to Bayelsa’s Deputy Governor, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Government House, Yenagoa.
Ajiboye extended his apologies for the prolonged power outage and its associated economic challenges, highlighting the need for state government support in the restoration efforts. He clarified that the blackout was caused by damage to TCN power transmission lines, with approximately 18 transmission towers vandalized.
“We are here to ask for the people of Bayelsa’s understanding regarding the power outage, and we also seek the state’s assistance to restore power,” Ajiboye stated. “Based on our assessment, it will take at least six weeks to reconstruct the collapsed towers and restore power to the state.”
He expressed concern over the nationwide vandalism of TCN facilities, noting that over 120 transmission assets had been damaged this year alone, and requested that the state government provide security for these facilities.
Deputy Governor Ewhrudjakpo acknowledged the ongoing power supply challenges in Bayelsa, pointing out that only around 30 percent of the state is currently linked to the National Grid. He noted that stable power has been elusive even prior to the recent vandalism.
Ewhrudjakpo urged TCN to expedite repairs while emphasizing the economic impact of the outage, stating that both TCN and the state government are losing revenue and goodwill. He called for a broadening of TCN’s transmission network to encompass more communities within Bayelsa.
In relation to TCN’s request for security measures, the Deputy Governor assured that the Bayelsa State government would coordinate with its Rivers State counterpart to enhance protection for the transmission lines.
“The power supply issue is pressing in Bayelsa, as the people are turning to the state government for solutions,” he said. “Despite only a fraction of the state being connected to the National Grid, we have never experienced consistent electricity. It is essential for TCN to extend its services further into the state.”
Ewhrudjakpo emphasized the need for a stronger partnership with TCN, aiming for a collaborative approach to address ongoing issues.
The TCN delegation included key officials, such as Engr Sherifai Ali, General Manager of Transmission Services at the Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, and Engr Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager of Transmission in the Port Harcourt Region.
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