PHCN Loses 12 Substations To Vandals

The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) has lost 12 distribution substations to vandalise in Port Harcourt and its environs in Rivers State.

In a memo dated June 17, 2010, and forwarded to the chief executive officer of Port Harcourt Distribution Zone, the Business Manager, Diobu Business Unit, Engr. Uzoma Mbuko, said the twelve substations in PHCN network in the unit were vandalized by hoodlums.

The affected substations, according to him, include Okoroji 500KVA, Abonnema Wharf Relief 500KVA, Iriebe 500KVA, and Isiokpo 500KVA.

Others are GGSS Rumuokwuta 500KVA, Aker Road 500KVA substation I, Education Board 500KVA, UBE Primary School/ Wogu 500KVA and Rumuokokwu 500KVA.

Also affected are Nwonue Avenue 300KVA, Agudama Relief 500KVA, and Domino 500KVA substations.

Engr. Mbuko expressed concern over the ugly development, and urged all and sundry to give all substations 24-hour surveillance.

In a move to check incessant theft of facilities belonging to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), management of the company has initiated a security pact with community leaders, members of community development committees and youths aimed at improved security of its property in the various communities.

Public Affairs Manager, Diobu Business Unit of PHCN, Mr. Herbert Ani, made this disclosure Friday in Port Harcourt in a chat with The Tide.

“We have sensitized the community development committees, community and youth leaders on the need to guide and protect our installations in their domains”, he said.

The public affairs manager said the high rate at which the armoured high as well as low tension cables of distribution substations were being vandalized was posing a renewed threat to PHCN in its efforts towards improved service to the people.

“In this regard, we urge all street residents, communities, neighbourhoods as well as individuals to watch out for these hoodlums, who operate mainly between 11pm and 5.30am with a view to apprehending them”, he said.

Chris Oluoh