Residents of Bayelsa State are enduring an unprecedented four-month blackout, significantly impacting daily life and economic activities. The power outage, primarily attributed to vandalism of critical transmission infrastructure, has left communities in total darkness and businesses struggling to survive.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported that 13 transmission towers along the Ahoada-Yenagoa 132kV double circuit line were destroyed by vandals, exacerbating an already dire situation. This incident has compounded previous outages caused by similar acts of sabotage, leading to a total loss of power supply to the state. As a result, residents have expressed their frustration over the prolonged darkness and its detrimental effects on local economies.
Small business owners have been particularly hard hit. Many have resorted to using diesel generators, which are costly and unsustainable. Local markets report a sharp decline in sales as customers limit their expenditures due to the rising cost of living exacerbated by the blackout. The lack of reliable electricity has hindered productivity and led to job losses in various sectors.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the Bayelsa State government has assured residents that efforts are underway to restore power. Commissioner for Power, Kharin Akari Komuko, stated that the government is actively working with TCN to address the situation. However, TCN has indicated that it could take several months to repair the damaged towers and restore normal power supply.
Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo has issued a stern warning against vandalism, emphasizing that those caught sabotaging electricity infrastructure will face prosecution. He urged community members to collaborate with authorities in safeguarding vital installations.
Residents have voiced their anger and disappointment over the government's inability to prevent such acts of vandalism and restore power in a timely manner. Many are calling for immediate action and accountability from both state and federal authorities. "We cannot continue like this," said a local business owner. "Our livelihoods depend on electricity; without it, we are lost."