After Four Long Months, Power Returns to Bayelsa
By NIGPOST Staff Writer
Residents of Bayelsa State can finally breathe a sigh of relief as electricity has been restored after a frustrating four-month blackout. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) confirmed that power was back on, marking the end of a challenging period for homes, businesses, and essential services across the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Port Harcourt, Emmanuel Anyaegbulem, General Manager of TCN’s Port Harcourt Region, explained that the outage was caused by criminals who vandalized critical power infrastructure. On July 29, about 20 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV line were severely damaged.
“Once a single tower is tampered with, it weakens the entire structure. In this case, the damage spread, and 20 towers collapsed between Ahoada in Rivers State and Yenagoa in Bayelsa State,” Anyaegbulem said.
He described the incident as one of the most significant challenges the company had faced in recent years, given that the 132KV line is Bayelsa’s only source of electricity.
The Long Road to Restoration
For four months, Bayelsans endured life without power—a situation that brought hardship to families, disrupted businesses, and strained essential services. Anyaegbulem acknowledged the struggles residents faced during this time but praised the efforts of his team, who worked tirelessly to rebuild what was lost.
“We had to erect and restrung 20 transmission towers—a monumental task. But by November 30, we were able to restore electricity,” he shared.
The repairs were costly too. Constructing a single tower costs around ₦13 million, making the overall effort both labor-intensive and financially demanding.
Combating Vandalism
Anyaegbulem revealed that the fight against vandalism is far from over. This year alone, 10 suspects have been arrested for tampering with TCN facilities, with four already convicted and six still in custody.
“These acts of sabotage hurt us all—businesses close, families suffer, and the economy takes a hit. We need everyone’s help to protect these vital facilities,” he appealed.
Achievements Despite the Setback
Even with these challenges, TCN’s Port Harcourt Region achieved major milestones this year, including:
Upgrading the Itu 132/33KV substation with a 60MVA transformer and advanced equipment.
Installing a 100MVA power transformer at the Port Harcourt main substation.
Delivering a 150MVA transformer to the Adjabo transmission substation.
Anyaegbulem emphasized TCN’s commitment to ensuring steady power transmission, enabling distribution companies to supply uninterrupted electricity to customers.
A Brighter Tomorrow for Bayelsa
For Bayelsans, the return of electricity brings hope. After months of darkness, there’s now an opportunity to rebuild and recover. Anyaegbulem urged the community to join hands in protecting power infrastructure, ensuring that such a prolonged blackout never happens again.
—
Stay informed with NIGPOST—bringing you the news that matters, with stories that put people first.
Leave a Reply