TCN to build new transmission stations in Kaduna

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) says it will establish three additional sub-stations in Kaduna to boost power transmission in the state.

Abdullahi Suleiman, General Manager, Kaduna Regional Transmission Station, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday.

He said shortly after inspecting the three sites allocated to the company for the project by the Kaduna State Government that work would commence soon.

“As soon as certificates of title is received from the state government, they will mobilize and move to site.

“The state government gave us three lands – one behind Millennium city at Keke, one at Rigasa for a 132 KVA transmission station and another at Kakau also for a 132 KVA transmission station.”

According to him, the additional stations will double power transmission across the state including areas not connected to the national grid.

Suleiman added that the additional power supply would help revive dormant industries thereby creating jobs and boosting economic activities.

On her part, Seun Olagunju, General Manager Public Affairs of TCN, explained that the company was committed to discharging its duties.

“Government is trying all its best in making sure that transmission is at the high level, always above the curve of the power chain.

“We already have expansion plan, we need to be above the curve, TCN have expansion plan and this is our expansion plan.

“The new Managing Director TCN has been visiting some state governors because we have issues of land in some states.

“We have issues of encroachment, vandalism, while in some cases people come claiming ownership of the land, sometimes we end up in court with legal issues.

“That is why we have been visiting some of the governors to say please help us solve these problems,” Olagunju added.

She applauded the Kaduna state government for its commitment to the project, adding, “I think this project is going to be faster than expected and we are very impressed.

“We were here around March and this is May and we have gone far, if all other states go this far, I am sure we will do a lot.”

In a separate interview, Director General, Kaduna Geographic Information Service, Ibrahim Hussaini explained that a technical committee was set up to ensure that the land allocated meet the technical requirement of the TCN.

He said the agency had met with district heads and local government chairmen in the affected areas, adding that assessment and evaluation of the land had been done and payment of compensation would commence soon.

“We have processed payment of compensation and forwarded to his Excellency and any moment from now we will pay the compensation,” Hussaini said.