The Bayelsa State Government said the repairs have begun on the vandalised transmission tower , aiming to quickly restore power to the capital, Yenagoa, and it's environs.
Suspected vandals recently damaged the Owerri-Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV Double Circuit Transmission Lines, leaving most parts of the state in total darkness.
The power outage has severely affected the state's socio-economic activities, driving up the cost of goods and services as many residents rely on generators to keep their businesses running.
But the State Commissioner for Power, Engr. Kharin Akari Komuko, assured that upon completion of the repair works, power will be restored to the state and appeal to residents to remain calm over the situation.
The Commissioner while briefing journalists during an on the spot assessmentat of the vandalised transmission towers along the Igbogene axis of the state and the Ahoada axis of River State on Wednesday, described the action of the vandals as sad.
He frowned at the high level of vandalism that led to the total collapse of the affected towers, saying public assets should be protected by the people.
Komuko informed that work has already commenced at the Igbogene location in order to fix the problem, adding that the state government is not relenting in its effort of providing stable power supply for the people.
The Commissioner also disclosed that an additional eleven transmission towers supplying power to the state, located at the Ahoada/Mbiama axis of the East/West road has collapsed.
He however assured that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is currently mobilizing to fix the problem.
Komuko explained that the vanadalised transmission towers are facilities owned and managed by the TCN and not the state government, adding that his ministry is in touch with the company and the state electricity company in order to fix the situation as soon as possible.
"We are working with all the relevant authorities to fix the problem. We are optimistic that as soon as possible power will be restored to the state", he said.
