By Stella Odueme
Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District, has pledged to support the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in resolving the Right-of-Way (RoW) issues delaying the commissioning of the 9th Mile 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Enugu State.
The assurance came during the senator’s visit to the facility on July 11, where he was received by the Assistant General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Sub-Region, Engr. Madu, alongside other TCN officials.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by TCN’s General Manager, Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the substation was completed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) in 2022 but has remained unutilised due to the incomplete 22-kilometre New Haven–9th Mile 132kV double-circuit transmission line.
Briefing the senator, Engr. Madu explained that unresolved Right-of-Way challenges have stalled completion of the transmission line, making it impossible to energise and commission the substation.
He noted that once the transmission line is completed, the facility will boost bulk electricity supply to the 9th Mile industrial cluster and surrounding communities, while also enhancing the reliability of power in the area.
Madu also drew attention to the need for improved security around the substation to safeguard the infrastructure against vandalism before it becomes operational.
In response, Senator Ngwu described the project as critical to the economic development of the district and assured TCN that he would work with relevant stakeholders to resolve the Right-of-Way issues and strengthen security around the facility.
The visit concluded with an inspection of the substation’s key installations, including the control room and switchyard.
