The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has blamed Right-of-Way (RoW) constraints for the delay in the commissioning of the 9th Mile 132/33kV transmission substation in Enugu State, four years after the facility was completed.
The TCN General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
Ms Mbah said the Assistant General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Sub-Region, Mr Madu, disclosed this during a visit by the Senator representing Enugu West Senatorial District, Osita Ngwu, to the facility on Saturday.
The substation, built by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) in 2022, remains idle due to the non-completion of the approximately 22-kilometre New Haven–9th Mile 132kV double-circuit transmission line needed to evacuate power to it.
Mr Madu, who received Mr Ngwu alongside other management staff, identified Right-of-Way (RoW) constraints as the major challenge affecting the completion of the transmission line.
RoW is an official authorisation granted by relevant authorities for the use of a designated portion of land for specific purposes, such as installing utilities, constructing infrastructure, or accessing private property.
This permit outlines the terms and conditions under which the specified right of way may be utilised, helping regulate and coordinate activities to ensure the orderly development of public or private land while minimising disruptions and maintaining compliance with established regulations and standards.
He said the completion of the transmission line is critical to the energisation and commissioning of the substation.
According to him, once operational, it will enhance bulk power supply to the 9th Mile industrial hub and surrounding communities, emphasising the need for adequate security to safeguard the facility against vandalism pending its commissioning.
In his remarks, Mr Ngwu acknowledged the need for urgent intervention to address the identified challenges. He pledged his support towards efforts to resolve the Right-of-Way constraints and strengthen security at the facility to safeguard the critical transmission infrastructure.
The visit, according to the statement, concluded with a guided tour of the control room, switchyard, and other key installations within the substation.
