The Transmission Company of Nigeria says it has restored bulk power supply to Bayelsa State through the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV transmission line at 8:03am on Tuesday after four months of darkness.
Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager of Public Affairs at TCN, reported the development in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
She said that the restoration followed the successful reconstruction of the collapsed towers and restringing of vandalised conductors by TCN contractors.
Mbah said that a final inspection of the work was conducted on November 28 by a team of TCN engineers, led by Emmanuel Akpa, Port-Harcourt Region General Manager.
She said: “The team verified the integrity of the 20 newly erected towers Nos. 48-64 and 97-99 that were destroyed in a series of vandalism incidents on July 29 and August 12.
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“After confirming that all work met required standards, the line was cleared for energisation.”
Mbah said that on the other hand, discussions are underway with stakeholders in Bayelsa and Rivers States to implement a comprehensive community engagement programme.
According to her, this initiative seeks to educate local communities traversed by the transmission line on the consequences of vandalism and theft of power infrastructure.
She said that additionally, the programme would involve appointing community representatives to oversee the security of power equipment in their areas.
She said: “This approach aims to foster a sense of local ownership and accountability for the infrastructure.
“These efforts are part of broader measures to prevent future incidents of large-scale vandalism, which left Bayelsa in total blackout since July 29.
“The economic losses incurred by residents, as well as the significant financial burden on TCN to restore the towers, have been substantial.
“TCN appeals to the public to support the nationwide campaign against vandalism of power infrastructure.
“Collective action is essential to safeguarding the country’s electricity assets for sustainable development.”
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