Residents of Afaha Ube in Itam, Itu Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State are expressing their dismay over the destruction of electricity infrastructure worth millions of naira in their community. They are concerned that if prompt action is not taken by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), the area may be plunged into darkness.
The damage was caused by a windstorm that struck the premises of TCN in Uyo, resulting in the destruction of various electricity facilities. The PHEDC has accused the TCN of failing to clear cable lines that were encroached upon by trees, holding the transmission firm responsible for the incident.
During the early morning rains on the previous day, electric poles, cables, and transformers serving Itam and parts of Uyo metropolis were destroyed. An eyewitness and resident named Comrade Usoro Bassey explained that the fallen branch of an ornamental tree near the transmission company’s fence affected low tension cables and nearby poles, causing them to collapse. This blocked the road, posing a threat to motorists and pedestrians. Bassey expressed concern about the weakened state of the infrastructure, stating that even a relatively mild windstorm was enough to cause significant damage.
A senior official of PHEDC at the IBB Way branch in Uyo referred to the incident as “an Act of God” when speaking to reporters at the site.
