The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) expressed deep concern over the obstruction of 21 power projects in the Southeast since 2019, attributing the delays to local community actions.
Speaking to reporters in Enugu, Engr. Emmanuel Akpa, General Manager (Transmission) for the Enugu Region, highlighted that these projects, aimed at enhancing power supply in areas such as Arochukwu, Okigwe, Nnewi, Enugu, Nsukka, Orlu, 9th Mile, and Nike, among others, were initiated and contracted since 2019.
He noted that while similar projects in other regions had been completed, the ones in the Southeast faced obstruction and legal disputes initiated by local residents. Despite the Federal Government’s compensation payments to landowners, these initiatives encountered sabotage and legal challenges, delaying their progress in the region.
“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 contests over land.
“These projects were conceived to galvanize business in those areas. The government paid for the way lift but from there till now, the projects have not been completed because of the selfish demands of our people. Even the ones built are now being vandalized.
“The 21 projects have been abandoned in the Southeast. They are abandoned because of litigation. Certain projects of the Federal Government are being killed by some Igbo people for their selfish interests, and this is affecting the setting up of substations in the region,” he said.
He appealed to Southeast residents to develop a positive attitude towards power projects for the economic expansion of the region.
Akpa stated that the company is facing other challenges in the region, such as 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 the state metropolis.
Warning of dangers associated with constructing under the 330 KVA lines, he stated that radiations from the line could lead to death.
He added: “This is aside from the issue of snapping. When it snaps, it causes great damage. We have been telling our people about the 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 with it.”
