Danger Under the Wires: TCN Warns Kaduna Residents of Fatal Power Line Encroachment and Vandalism
Kaduna State faces a growing threat to its electricity supply and public safety, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) issues a dire warning about widespread encroachment on power line corridors and relentless vandalism of critical power infrastructure. This alarming trend directly undermines TCN's ongoing efforts to upgrade and expand the state's transmission network, including the vital installation of new transformers.
A Deadly Combination: Encroachment and Vandalism
TCN is sounding the alarm over two primary issues that pose severe risks to lives and infrastructure:
Encroachment on Right-of-Way: Illegal structures, residential buildings, and even bustling markets are dangerously springing up directly beneath high-tension electricity lines. This reckless disregard for safety creates a perilous environment, significantly increasing the risk of electrocution, devastating fires, and structural collapse of power infrastructure. Such encroachments also severely obstruct essential maintenance and repair work, leading to prolonged power outages across communities.
Vandalism of Critical Infrastructure: The deliberate destruction and theft of vital power equipment, such as transformers and transmission lines, continues to be a major setback. This criminal activity directly results in interrupted power supply, widespread blackouts, and instability in the grid. Beyond the immediate disruption, vandalism inflicts huge financial losses on TCN, diverting crucial resources meant for grid expansion and upgrades to costly emergency repairs and heightened security measures.
TCN's Call to Action: Community Vigilance is Key
In response to this escalating crisis, TCN, under the leadership of Engineer Nasir Mansur-Fada, the General Manager for the Kaduna Region, has intensified its sensitization and public awareness campaigns. These crucial forums bring together traditional rulers, security agencies, community leaders, and youth groups to educate them on the dire consequences of these dangerous acts.
TCN is making a direct appeal to the people of Kaduna, emphasizing that communities are the "first line of defense" in protecting these vital national assets. Residents are urged to:
Immediately vacate any structures or activities within high-tension power line areas.
Report suspicious activities or acts of vandalism without delay by calling the provided hotlines: 07016839880 or emailing affairs.public@tcn.org.ng.
Take ownership of the power infrastructure, seeing it as a shared resource that requires collective safeguarding.
Adding to the urgency, the Minister of Power has called on the National Assembly to enact stricter legislation against vandalism, advocating for it to be treated as a criminal offense. The Senate is even considering capital punishment for vandals of power infrastructure, underscoring the severity of this national menace.
Despite these significant challenges, TCN remains committed to its mission, continuing to install new transformers and upgrade transmission infrastructure across Kaduna to boost electricity delivery. However, the success of these efforts hinges on the active cooperation and vigilance of every resident. Without a concerted effort to combat encroachment and vandalism, Kaduna State's journey towards reliable and uninterrupted power supply will remain severely hampered.
