FG begins campaign against power infrastructure vandalism

FG begins campaign against power infrastructure vandalism

Monday, June 23, 2014 6:38 pm


Abuja – The Federal Government on Monday said it would embark on “Safe Power Infrastructure Campaign” around the country as part of its efforts at curbing vandalism of power infrastructure.

This is contained in a statement by Mr Olawale Rasheed, Special Assistant, Media, to the Minister of State for Power, Alhaji Muhammed Wakil, in Abuja.

The statement stated that Wakil made this known at the inauguration of a power transmission sub-station in Calabar, Cross River.

“The Federal Ministry of Power has commenced a Safe Power Infrastructure Campaign to create community sensitization and ownership of the facilities to deter vandalism.

“We will soon take this campaign across the six geo- political zones”, he said.

The minister said that the new Calabar sub-station was designed to expand the transmission capacity of the power sector and improve power supply nationwide.

He disclosed that three similar sub-stations had already been inaugurated in Kano State, adding that some would soon be inaugurated in Yola, Kebbi and Lagos.

According to Wakil, the inauguration of the project was part of Federal Government’s plan to improve power supply in the country.

“This sub-station is one out of the many power projects being completed by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in its determination to expand the power sector in general and the transmission grid in particular.

“This is to ensure that citizens of this great country will eventually enjoy constant power supply for the socio-economic development and growth of our nation,” he said.

He said the sub-station, which was located in Adiabo was very significant, because it would serve transmission projects, including the Calabar Export Processing Zone (EPZ), and improve power supply to Calabar.

“The issue of low voltage as previously experienced due to the long distance transmission line from Alaoji to Calabar has now been addressed,” the minister said.

He added that improved power delivery would also positively impact on the tourism industry and other commercial activities in Cross River.

He urged the host communities of the project to cooperate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to protect power installations and other public facilities located in the area.

“The citizens must join hands in the fight against unscrupulous vandals of power installations and individuals who persistently encroach on TCN right-of-way,” he said.

The statement quoted Managing Director of TCN, Mr Mack Kast, as saying that inauguration of the sub-station was a demonstration of government’s commitment to the expansion of power transmission facilities.

“We appreciate the efforts and the tenacity of the government in approving and funding power transmission projects nationwide.

“If this path is sustained, our transmission grid would grow into a world class system”, he said. (NAN)


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