TCN repairs 65% of vandalised power towers in Bayelsa

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has announced significant progress in repairing the vandalised 132kV Ahoada-Yenagoa transmission line towers in Bayelsa State.

In a statement on X on Tuesday, TCN confirmed that 65% of the damaged towers have been rebuilt, with 17 out of 20 transmission towers successfully erected.

“TCN will commence stringing of conductors, hoisting of insulators, and clamping of hardware shortly,” the post noted, highlighting the steady advancement of the project.

Despite the challenging swampy terrain, TCN contractors are working to complete the repairs ahead of the projected November 6 deadline to ensure Bayelsa’s power is restored promptly.

The extensive repair operation follows an announcement by TCN on August 14, where the company disclosed that Bayelsa State would experience a prolonged power outage after vandals destroyed 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV double circuit line.

According to TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the Ahoada-Yenagoa line is critical for transmitting power from the Ahoada transmission substation to the Yenagoa substation, which supplies electricity to the entire state.

Mbah emphasized the significance of the damage, noting that due to both the recent destruction and ongoing repairs on previously vandalised infrastructure, the complete restoration of power would require several months of rebuilding and line-stringing efforts.

TCN’s latest updates signal a determined push to meet the November deadline and restore essential power to Bayelsa as swiftly as possible.