May 28, (THEWILL)- The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says its tower T290, one of the four new towers erected by its contractors along the Jos-Gombe 330 Kilo Volt (kV} transmission line, has collapsed during the cable stringing process.
The incident occurred while the contractor was stringing the cable on the last tower, which was supposed to enable the final jointing of the power cable in time for energising the line.
In a statement signed by TCN Public Affairs Manager, Ndidi Mbah, the company noted that it has encountered some delays in its effort to restore power supply to the North-East due to the collapse.
The company noted that its contractors have been mobilised to site for the reconstruction of the collapsed towers.
The statement read: “The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, hereby states that tower number T290, one of the four new towers erected by TCN contractors along the Jos-Gombe 330kV transmission line, collapsed during the cable stringing process.
“It is unfortunate to note that while TCN is working on reconstructing and restringing the four vandalised towers, three (3) towers along the Biu-Dambua 132kV transmission line were also vandalised with 16 spans of conductors stolen.
“The towers, which have all collapsed, include towers T1690, T1691, and T1692. TCN has mobilised a contractor to commence their reconstruction. This discovery was made by the TCN patrol team last Friday.
“Additionally, this morning, the TCN lines patrol team discovered that tower T540 along the Makurdi-Jos 330kV double circuit transmission line had been vandalised. Sections of the tower have been removed, although the tower remains standing. TCN has contracted emergency repairs to prevent its collapse.
“We reiterate our commitment to restoring normal bulk power supply through the distribution companies serving the North East and other areas affected by vandalism. There is, however, an urgent need for everyone to join hands with TCN in protecting our collective assets by being vigilant and reporting any suspected acts of tower and line vandalism promptly.”
THEWILL reports that this is about the fourth time in four months that the TCN has reported such incidents.
The Transmission Company had reported last month that the same towers along the Jos-Gombe 330kV transmission line were vandalised. This was after it reported in February 2024 that towers along the Gombe-Damaturu 330kV had been brought down. Three days later, the TCN reported that vandals destroyed its tower 330kV Gwagwalada-Katampe Transmission line.
It also reported on December 21, 2023, a major vandalism which caused the failure of power supply to Yobe and Borno States.
