TCN partners Imo communities to curb infrastructure vandalism

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has partnered with communities in Imo to protect critical electricity infrastructure from vandalism and encroachment.

The Port Harcourt Regional General Manager of TCN, Mr Emmanuel Akpa, disclosed this on Thursday during a sensitisation campaign in Owerri.

Akpa, represented by the Assistant General Manager, Technical Services, Dr Raymond Ubani, said the initiative was aimed at engaging communities on the need to safeguard transmission facilities.

He expressed concern over the rising cases of vandalism and encroachment on TCN installations, noting that more than 10 transmission towers had recently been vandalised in the Enugu Region.

According to him, vandalism of power infrastructure poses serious economic and safety risks to affected communities and the nation.

“If these facilities are vandalised, we may lose lives, and businesses will collapse,” he said.

Akpa urged youths, traditional rulers and community leaders to support efforts to protect transmission infrastructure by reporting suspicious activities around TCN facilities.

He also commended Gov. Hope Uzodimma for strengthening grassroots security architecture in the state.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Owerri North Local Government Area, Mr Lucky Abaraonye, stressed the importance of collaboration in securing power infrastructure.

Abaraonye said the state government had put measures in place to protect transmission facilities and other critical infrastructure across the state.

According to him, autonomous communities have been directed to establish vigilance groups, with 15 trained security personnel deployed in each community.

“I assure you that it would be difficult for any security breach without the knowledge of our personnel,” Abaraonye said.

Earlier, the Principal Manager, Transmission, TCN Owerri Work Centre, Mr Nnaemeka Aninwe, warned scrap dealers and business owners against purchasing stolen transmission materials.

Aninwe said anyone found buying vandalised power equipment would face the full weight of the law.

He also cautioned residents against erecting structures within TCN right-of-way corridors, warning that such structures could be demolished.

According to him, a minimum clearance of 15 metres must be maintained for 132kV transmission lines and 30 metres for 330kV lines.

He further advised residents against dumping refuse or excavating sand around tower foundations, noting that such activities could weaken the structures and cause their collapse.

Responding on behalf of the communities, the traditional ruler of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, Eze Obi Ejeshi, said the sensitisation campaign eas timely and pledged the support of community leaders in protecting lives and public infrastructure.