The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has lamented the strangulation of 21 power projects in the South East since 2019, blaming it on activities of residents.

General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Emmanuel Akpa, stated this while briefing reporters, yesterday, that the projects, awarded since 2019 and aimed at boosting power supply, are located in Arochukwu, Okigwe, Nnewi, Enugu, Nsukka, Orlu, 9th Mile, Nike, among others.

He stated that while such projects had since been completed in other parts of the country, those awarded in the region have suffered sabotage and litigations from residents even when the Federal Government had paid necessary compensations.

Akpa said: “This is very disturbing because these contracts have been completed in other zones. These contracts were awarded to take the 132KVA to some places to boost economic activities since 2009. There are power stations where work has been abandoned due to litigation and contest over land. These projects were conceived to galvanise business in those areas but till now, the projects have not been completed because of selfish demands of our people. Even the ones built are now being vandalised.

“The 21 projects have been abandoned in the South East. They are abandoned because of litigation. Certain projects of the Federal Government are being killed by some Igbo for their selfish reasons, and this is affecting the setting up of substations in the region.”

He appealed to South East residents to develop a positive attitude towards power projects for the economic expansion of the region.

Akpa stated that the company is facing other challenges in the region, such as buildings on the TCN right of ways; illegal excavation of soil around the tower base, especially in areas like New Artisan Market, Goshen Estate and Centenary Avenue, within the state metropolis.

Warning of dangers associated with constructing under the 330 KVA lines, he stated that radiations from the line could lead to death.

He added: “This is aside from the issue of snapping. When it snaps, it causes great damage. We have been telling our people about the dangers of building under the power line, but nobody cares.

“The Federal Government has stipulated the distance that should be maintained before setting up any building, which is 25 meters, but they are not ready to comply with it.” (The Guardian)

Update news