Nasir Mansur, the managing director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Kaduna region, has urged communities to act fast in curtailing vandalism, saying the firm was overwhelmed by such activities.

He made the call on Monday during a sensitisation and public awareness campaign tagged: “Encroachment of the TCN Right of Way and Vandalisation of High-Tension Installations”, at Mando, Kaduna State.

Mr Mansur stated that vandalism was the greatest challenge in Nigeria’s power sector, saying, “Traditional leaders and the members of the communities are critical stakeholders that will help in curbing the menace.”

He stressed that “electricity cannot be sustained” if such a trend continues. 

“The consequences of vandalism include interrupted power supply, huge losses, and other associated damages; we expect all patriotic citizens to protect these facilities,” he said.

Technically, presentations were done by the ‘Health, Safety and Environment’, Electrical and Maintenance Department (EMD), and the Systems Lines Departments of TCN.

Yakubu Abdulrazak from EMD explained that the right of way for high voltage power lines was 25 metres left and 25 metres right, adding that it was dangerous to farm or build on the right of way.

“People encroaching the company’s right of way may suffer electrocution, fire hazards, and structural collapse, leading to deaths and loss of properties,” he said.

Also, traditional leaders at the event pledged their support for the cause, saying they would ensure the dissemination of information to their subjects and collaborate to report any issue of vandalism.

One of them, Adamu Saleh, the Sarkin Jaji, commended TCN for the sensitisation programme, saying it has armed the community leaders with information on the dangers of encroaching on the right of way, as well as vandalism.

Mr Saleh said, “Security must be strengthened along these facilities; traditional leaders and security must collaborate to fight against encroachment of right of way and vandalism.”

Another ruler, the Sarkin Mando, Sani Musa, stated that his palace had been reporting suspected moves to vandalise TCN equipment or erect a structure on the right of way.

“We will continue to support authorities in ensuring businesses and houses on the right of way are evacuated to avoid tragedy,” Mr Musa said.

TCN provided hotlines to report damages or vandalism, to call or send emails, which include: 07016839880 or affairs.public@tcn.org.ng.

(NAN)