The General Manager of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Benin Region, Engr. I.C. Okpe, accompanied by other management staff of the region, recently paid a courtesy visit to key security agencies in Delta State, including the Commissioner of Police, Commandants of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), and the Department of State Security (DSS) in Asaba.
The purpose of the visit was to seek collaboration and support from these agencies in addressing the hazardous issue of encroachment on TCN Right of Way (ROW). Illegal structures were discovered under Tower T119-T121 at Opete community, Udu Local Government, and Tower T29-T30 at Ogbomoru community in Effurun.
Engr. Okpe emphasized TCN's crucial role in transmitting bulk electricity from Generation Companies to Distribution Companies through its transmission lines and towers spanning the country. He stressed that TCN has acquired lands for these towers, with compensations paid for the Right of Way before construction commenced. The safe and approved distance for a 330kV transmission line is 30 meters on both sides from the center of the line.
The dangers associated with building illegally under transmission lines are significant, including exposure to electromagnetic radiation leading to health risks such as cancer. Moreover, a snap from the lines can result in loss of lives and properties.
Engr. Okpe urged the security agencies to intervene and demolish the illegal structures, introducing the Assistant General Manager (AGM) Delta Subregion, Engr. Chukwuemeka K.O., as the liaison for issues related to encroachment of Right of Way.
In response, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr.Abaniwonda Olufemi, condemned the act of building under high-tension lines and pledged assistance in demolishing the illegal structures. He promised to communicate with relevant parties and involve the local government chairman in the process, ensuring swift action to halt the encroachment.
The Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr. Sulaiman Agboola Jimoh, reiterated the agency's mandate to ensure national security and protect crucial national assets, including TCN's installations. He assured TCN's management of the NSCDC's readiness to perform its role effectively.
Similarly, the Commandant of the DSS, Mr. Ademola Adebuji, affirmed his team's readiness to collaborate with TCN and other security agencies to track down the culprits and dismantle the illegal structures.
The collaborative efforts between TCN and these security agencies demonstrate a collective commitment to safeguarding public safety and protecting critical infrastructure from encroachment.
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