PHCN Decries Vandals’ Havoc

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Diobu Unit, Port Harcourt has expressed worry over what it described as incessant cases of vandalisation of its equipment by hoodlums.

The PHCN Business Manager, Diobu District, Mr Uzoma Mbuko, told newsmen in Port Harcourt  that more than five PHCN sub-stations in the unit were vandalised between April and June.

“On May 29, one number incomer cable 500mm was stolen at Isiokpo substation. Four numbers incomer cable 500mm were stolen at UBE Primary School Wogu substation on April 17 and June 4.

“The hoodlums also vandalized Domino substation on June 7, and Okoroji substation on June 12, ’’ he said, noting that the incidents took place within the D-line area of Port Harcourt city.

Mbuko said the rampant vandalisation in PHCN network had become a serious embarrassment to the unit in particular and PHCN in general.

“The armoured high tension as well as low tension cables of distribution substations are being vandalised in their numbers. How can we remain in effective operation under such situation?’’ he asked.

He said although accurate evaluation of the vandalised equipment had yet to be done, the PHCN was losing millions of naira to the unpatriotic activities of the hoodlums.

Mbuko, however, called on residents of the area to be more vigilant, saying they “should report any suspected movements around PHCN facility to the police or nearby PHCN office for prompt attention’’.