Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin Region, has said that 10 persons caught vandalising the company’s facilities have been charged to court.
The General Manager,Engr. Isaac Okpe, said this after an inspection tour of TCN Benin region, Benin sub Region and TCN Ihovbor work centre.
He said that the cases were already in court, expressing hope that those found guilty would face the full wrath of the law.
Okpe said that vandalisation was the biggest threat to the TCN operation, stressing that it was shocking to know that people would destroy what is meant to benefit the the country.
“It is unfortunate that people will go all out to destroy our facilities, especially our tower, instead of ensuring that it is protected so that we can all benefit from it. Ten persons have already been arrested and have already been charged to court”, Okpe said.
Okpe also said that equipments, which help in transmitting power generated to the distribution company are currently undergoing upgrade to be able to serve the public better.
He added, “TCN is responsible for evacuating electricity generated by the Generating Companies (GENCOS) and then wheel it to the Distribution Companies (DISCOS). We are also the only company in the power industry that has license to the National grid.
“Benin region is one of the most important regions as it is the hub of the National grid. We cover the whole of Edo State, Delta State and parts of Ondo and Ekiti States.
“The TCN has embarked on series of projects aimed at grid expansion and Benin region is not left out and it is all in a bid to serve the people better,” Okpe said.
Okpe noted that management of TCN Benin region is also appealing to the public to leave TCN right of way and desist from vandalizing TCN properties noting that the electromagnetic waves released by the tower are harmful to humans, can cause national black out, fire outbreak and electrocution.
“The major challenge we are having is encroachment on our lines. So many people are building churches, shops, houses under the lines, and this is a major threat and a major risk on their part.
“Even area people were compensated, they come back and build there, claiming that they were not compensated, so this is a threat to the lives of those who stay such in such places. People should not build under transmission lines.”
“Vandalism is another challenge. People deliberately go to the lines and cut them expecting them to collapse”, Okpe said.