By Peace Orjiani
ENUGU, NIGERIA—Senator Osita Ngwu, representing the Enugu West Senatorial District, has pledged his full support to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in overcoming the Right-of-Way (RoW) obstacles currently stalling the launch of the 9th Mile 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Enugu State.
Senator Ngwu made this commitment during a working visit to the facility on July 11, where he was briefed by Engr. Madu, the Assistant General Manager (Transmission) for the Enugu Sub-Region, alongside other key TCN officials.
Although the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) completed construction of the substation back in 2022, the facility remains inactive. According to a statement released on Wednesday by TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the delay stems from the incomplete 22-kilometer New Haven–9th Mile 132kV double-circuit transmission line.
Engr. Madu explained to the senator that ongoing right-of-way disputes have completely halted construction on this crucial transmission line, leaving the TCN unable to energize and commission the completed substation.
Once finalized, the transmission line will enable the substation to supply bulk electricity directly to the 9th Mile industrial hub and its neighboring communities, drastically improving local power reliability.
In addition to the grid challenges, Engr. Madu raised concerns regarding the facility’s physical security, urging for protective measures to prevent vandalism before the substation officially goes live.
In response, Senator Ngwu emphasized that the project is vital to the economic growth of Enugu West. He assured the TCN delegation that he would collaborate with key community stakeholders and government bodies to fast-track the resolution of the right-of-way disputes and reinforce security around the infrastructure.
The visit concluded with Senator Ngwu conducting a comprehensive walkthrough of the substation, inspecting the control room and the main switchyard.