By AISHA GAMBO

The Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kaduna Region, Mr Nasir Mansur, has urged communities to act fast in curtailing vandalism, saying that the firm was overwhelmed by vandalism.

He made the call on Monday during a sensitisation and public awareness campaign tagged: ‘Encroachment of the TCN Right of Way and Vandalisation of High-Tension Installations’, at Mando, Kaduna State.

He stated that vandalism was the greatest challenge in Nigeria’s power sector, saying, “traditional leaders and the members of the communities are critical stakeholders that will help in curbing the menace.

“This trend is dangerous, if we continue like this, I am afraid, electricity cannot be sustainable.

“The consequences of vandalism include interrupted power supply, huge losses and other associated damages; we expect all patriotic citizens to protect these facilities,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that technical presentations were done by the Health, Safety and Environment’, Electrical and Maintenance Department (EMD) as well as Systems Lines Departments of TCN.

Mr Yakubu Abdulrazak from EMD, explained that the right of way for high voltage power lines were 25 meters left and 25 meters right, adding that it was dangerous to farm or build on the right of way.

“People encroaching the company’s right of way may suffer electrocution, fire hazards and structural collapse, leading to deaths and loss of properties,” he said.

Also, traditional leaders at the event, pledged their support for the cause, saying they would ensure dissemination of information to their subjects and collaborate to report any issue of vandalisation.

One of them, Adamu Saleh, the Sarkin Jaji, commended TCN for the sensitisation programme, saying it has armed the community leaders with information on the dangers of encroaching right of way, as well as vandalisation.

Saleh said, “Security must be strengthened along these facilities; traditional leaders and security must collaborate to fight against encroachment of right of way and vandalism.”

Another ruler, the Sarkin Mando, Sani Musa, stated that his Palace had been reporting suspected moves to vandalise TCN equipment or erect a structure on the right of way.

“We will continue to support authorities in ensuring businesses and houses on the right of way are evacuated to avoid tragedy, ” Musa said.

NAN reports that TCN provided hot-lines to report damages or vandalism, to call or send mails, which include: 07016839880 or affairs.public@tcn.org.ng. (NAN)