The General Manager, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Benin Region, Engr. Isaac Okpe, says vandalism of its towers and encroachment on right of way are threatening its transmission operation in Edo, Delta, Ekiti, Ondo states.

Okpe said this during an interactive session with journalists on TCN’s activities aimed at improving transmission in its franchise state.

He warned that the act of vandalism, encroachment and excavation are not only threatening our transmission operation but also dangerous to the health of those carrying out businesses there.

“Any time they vandalize our towers, it affects our transmission and if we can’t transmit to power to the Disco, they will be no electricity. And if the conductor drops on the ground, human being and even tree will become ashes,” he said.

“Encroachment on our right of way is very dangerous, it supposed to be 30 meters from our 33kva lines but you see people putting all manner of buildings, markets among others activities on our right of ways.

“Before TCN embarked on line construction, we acquired the right of way and pay compensation so that all these hazards will be far away from the people,” he said.

He noted that the act of vandalism and excavation led to the collapse of transmission towers in many places.

Okpe said replacing the collapse towers would cost four times of what was expanded to construct it (collapse tower) years back due to the high exchange rate.

He said the commission is meeting with security agencies, state governments and other stakeholders to assist in sensitizing against such act. (Daily Trust)

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