By Jabiru Hassan
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has cleared illegal structures encroaching on its transmission line Right of Way (RoW) near Tower 31 of the Ugwuaji–Makurdi 330kV Double Circuit transmission line in Enugu State, as part of efforts to safeguard power infrastructure and public safety.The demolition exercise took place at Akpuoga Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area, where fences and other unauthorized structures were erected dangerously close to the high-voltage transmission tower. TCN also removed similar encroachments along the corridor of a 132kV transmission line in the area.
According to the company, the illegal structures posed serious safety risks to residents and obstructed access for routine maintenance and emergency repairs by its technical personnel.TCN explained that the exercise followed repeated sensitization and warning campaigns aimed at educating residents, traders, and developers on the dangers of building or carrying out activities within transmission line corridors.
The company stated that the demolition became unavoidable in order to prevent potential accidents, protect lives and property, and ensure uninterrupted access for linesmen during inspections and fault repairs.“Structures built within transmission corridors endanger lives and compromise the reliability of power supply,” TCN noted, stressing that strict enforcement of safety regulations is necessary to protect critical national infrastructure. TCN further reminded the public that approved Right of Way clearances must be observed for all transmission lines. For 330kV transmission lines, the required clearance is 50 metres, consisting of 25 metres on each side of the line. For 132kV transmission lines, the approved clearance is 30 metres, or 15 metres on each side.
The company warned prospective land developers and residents to verify land status before construction and to strictly comply with RoW regulations to avoid future losses.TCN reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring reliable power transmission across the country, emphasizing that compliance with safety clearances around transmission lines is essential for stable electricity supply and the safety of host communities.
