The Shiroro Regional Manager of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Maiwada Sarki Bello, has said the activities of bandits in the area have hindered maintenance of some transmission lines especially the Shiroro-Kaduna 330KV line.
Sarki Bello stated this Thursday while briefing journalists on TCN’s efforts to replace obsolete equipment for better service to citizens.
While reviewing the achievements of TCN during the year, the regional nanager said that the company has not been able to respond to maintenance issues along transmitting lines due to threats from bandits.
He listed areas with security challenges to include the Shiroro – Kaduna 330KV lines, Shiroro – Kamtape 330KV line, Gwagwalada 330KV line, Shiroro – Tegina 132KV line and redial nature of Shiroro – Tegina- Kontagora- Yauri line.
He said, “Last year one of our staff was picked by the bandits but he was released after three months in captivity. Again sometimes ago, there were some faults along the Shiroro – Kaduna 330KV line.
“We deployed our engineers with security cover but unfortunately the team was attacked on site. Three policemen were killed but our staff survived the attack. One of the staff stayed three days in the bush before he came out after we had given up on him.”
He explained that TCN has also within the period received threats from the bandits to blow up the dam, adding: “However, the Presidency has since deployed military detachment along with other security agencies to effectively protect the facility.”
He explained that despite the insecurity challenges, TCN has remained resolute in replacing its obsolete equipment for better services to Nigerians.
“The plan to upgrade electricity supply in Minna has reached final stage. I am happy to inform you that we are solving the problem of Minna by replacing armoured cables with 100MVA. It has already arrived at Lagos but because it is very fragile, it will take time to get to Minna and more weeks to install it,” he added.