TCN Reveals Reasons for Slow Restoration of Vandalized Towers
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has explained the delays in restoring the Apir-Ugaji line, citing insecurity in the region as a primary factor.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, TCN Managing Director Engr. Abdulaziz Sule stated that the engineers tasked with the repairs must work under the protection of security personnel and are required to leave the site by 6 PM for safety reasons.
He noted that this line serves as a crucial alternative route for power supply to cities in the north, including Kano and Kaduna, and is expected to be completed in the next two to three days.
Sule elaborated, “When the Shororo-Mando line is down, the Ugwaji-Apir line becomes the main source for feeding the northern region. Unfortunately, this line was also vandalized.”
He explained that both lines have been impacted, with significant damage occurring. “For line two, nearly five spans were destroyed. Our engineers are diligently working to restore it. However, due to security concerns, military escorts are necessary for our teams to operate safely.”
He added that once it gets dark, the workers must retreat to a secure location overnight and return in the morning.
“Currently, line one, capable of carrying 400 megawatts, should be operational between today and tomorrow. The restoration of the second line, which suffered significant vandalism, is projected to be completed by Sunday,”he concluded.
