21 power projects abandoned in South East region since 2009 - TCN

By Iheanyi Chukwudi

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has decried the anti development actions of most communities in the South East, lamenting that such actions have strangulated 21 power projects in the region.

The projects, according to the General Manager (Transmission) Enugu Region, Emmanuel Akpa were awarded since 2009 and were aimed at boosting power supply.

Akpa who briefed newsmen on Thursday said some of them were located in Arochukwu, Okigwe, Nnewi, Enugu, Nsukka, Orlu, 9th Mile, Nike among others.

The Enugu Region GM, lamented that while similar projects had since been completed in other parts of the country, those awarded in the South East region had suffered sabotage and litigations from the residents and communities even when federal government had paid the necessary compensations.

He appealed to the people of South East to develop positive attitude towards power projects cited in their areas for the economic expansion of the region.

He said, "This is very disturbing because these contracts have been completed in other zones. These contracts were awarded to take the 132KVA to some places to boost economic activities since 2009.

There are power stations where work has been abandoned due to litigation and contest over land. These projects were conceived to galvanize business in those areas. Government paid for the way lift but from there till now, the projects have not been completed because of selfish demands of our people. Even the ones built are now being vandalized.

"The 21 projects have been abandoned in the South East. They are abandoned because of litigations and at every time in court, they will strangulate the projects. Certain projects of the federal government are being killed by some Igbo for their selfish reasons and this is affecting setting up of substations in the region."

Other challenges the Company was facing in the region Akpa said included buildings on the TCN right of ways; illegal excavation of soil around the tower base especially in areas like New Artisan market, Goshen Estate and Centenary avenue, within Enugu metropolis.

He warned of the dangers associated with constructing under the 330 KVA lines, stressing that radiations from the line could lead to death.

He said, "This is aside the issue of snapping. When it snaps it causes great damage. We have been telling our people about dangers of building under the power line but nobody cares.

"The federal government has stipulated the distance that should be maintained before setting up any building, which is 25 meters but they are not ready to comply to it."

The GM cited new artisan and Ugwuaji in Enugu state as areas where residents have continued to build under 330KVA lines.

Stressing that the federal government, despite the challenges have continued to upgrade substations, Akpa said.

"New Haven substation for example which used to have a capacity of 300MW, is currently being upgraded to 600 MW capacity.

"Ugwuaji, Nkalagu, Abakalliki, Oji River and the new 2x60MVA 132/33KV substation at 9th Mile Corner."

"In Onitsha sub region, capacity up-grade had been affected both in Nibo and Agu-Awka substations. Same things are applicable in Apir sub region with Transformer capacity up-grade at Makurdi, Otukpo and Yandev."