Residents of Bauchi and Gombe states can anticipate the return of electricity as the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) has reported substantial progress in repairing four transmission towers that were vandalized three weeks prior.
Abdu Bello-Mohammed, JED’s Managing Director, conveyed this update during a site visit to assess the ongoing repair work on the damaged 330kV power line towers.
The announcement was made public through a statement from Dr. Friday Adakole-Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications, last Sunday in Bauchi.
Represented by Alhaji Mamanlafia Umar, the Chief Operating Officer, Bello-Mohammed acknowledged the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) diligent efforts to rectify the situation and assured that normal power service would be reinstated in the affected states shortly.
“I want to sincerely thank you on behalf of the MD/CEO of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for the speed you have exhibited so far” he said.
“I urge you to work towards meeting the deadline of 27th May 2024, for the completion of the repairs and restoration of normal supply to the good people of Bauchi and Gombe States, as committed to,”
The need for repairs arose after TCN reported the vandalism of four towers along the Jos-Gombe 330kV transmission line on April 22 at approximately 3:32 pm. Despite restoration attempts, the line experienced another trip, prompting TCN engineers to locate and fix the fault.
Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, detailed that the engineering team found towers numbered 288 to 291 vandalized and partially dismantled, leading to their collapse.
“Also, the towers had equally collapsed as a result of the incident.
“Presently, bulk power supply to Gombe, Yola, and Jalingo Substations have been disrupted, affecting bulk power supply to parts of Yola and Jos Electricity Distribution Companies’ franchise areas.
“To mitigate the effect of the incident on electricity consumers affected by the incident, TCN is trying to first back feed Gombe through its 132kV transmission line from Bauchi and subsequently Ashaka, Potiskum, Damaturu, and Billiri/Savannah,” Mbah said.
TCN has committed to taking all necessary measures to restore power to the affected regions while continuing the reconstruction of the vandalized towers.
