The Transmission Company of Nigeria has disclosed that repairs are set to begin on the Ugwuaji–Apir 330 Kilo-Volt Double Circuit transmission line following the identification of a fault near Igumale in Benue State.
The discovery was made by a team of TCN linesmen on Wednesday at approximately 5 p.m.
TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, issued a statement in Abuja on Thursday confirming the situation.
Mbah pointed out that the faulty section of the transmission line, which spans about one segment, was found to be a snapped 330kV line within a swampy forested area in Igumale.
“Having made the discovery earlier in the evening of Wednesday, arrangements are already ongoing to mobilise equipment and materials that would be moved to the site of the incident to commence repair works,” Mbah said.
The difficult terrain presents a challenge for the repair crew, necessitating the use of a bulldozer and other heavy-duty materials, which are being transported from TCN’s Enugu Regional office.
Additionally, a Hiab vehicle is being deployed to assist with properly tensioning the transmission line.
The transmission line in question, which extends for 215 kilometers, initially tripped on October 21, leading to widespread power outages across the North East, North West, and parts of the North Central region.
Efforts by two previously dispatched teams to locate the source of the outage were unsuccessful until Wednesday evening.
“TCN is committed to promptly addressing the situation and is urgently organising the necessary materials for the repair work,” Mbah emphasized, noting that the company is working as swiftly as possible to restore service. “We appreciate the patience of the government and electricity customers in the affected states. Please bear with us,” she added.
The fault on this critical line has caused significant disruptions, affecting various regions dependent on the transmission network for power supply.
However, with the fault now identified and repair work underway, TCN aims to restore normal power transmission as soon as possible.
