PHED raises alarm over series of transformer vandalism

By Brave Dickson

Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) has drawn the attention of the general public to the series of transformer vandalism in Akwa-Ibom State.

Speaking with our correspondent, the Manager, Corporate Communications of PHED. Mr John Onyi said in Uyo alone, about 104 transformers were recently vandalised.

Mr Onyi, however, called on security agencies and community dwellers to help prevent the spate of electricity vandalism by arresting anyone who makes suspicious movements around PHED installations.

The PHED mage maker also exonerated officials of PHED from any act of conspiracy with those who specialize in stealing transformer oil, adding that no official of PHED has ever been found culpable.

He, therefore, welcomed the move by the federal government to secure N3billlin loan for electricity boosting, maintaining that such money would enhance electricity generation if properly utilized.

“We are working in collaboration with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Police and most importantly the neighbourhood.

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“We have always advised members of the public to raise alarm whenever they see suspicious movements around electrical installations.

“For instance, in Uyo, the Akwa-Ibom State capital alone, 104 transformers were vandalised as at last week. Then taking down to Eket, over 55 transformers were vandalised too. So, the spate of vandalism in such area is alarming.

“We are calling on all well-meaning numbers of the public especially the neighbourhood to please help us in preventing this ugly trend. Since transformer vandalism in 2005 within our jurisdiction, no PHED staff have ever been found connected with the theft of transformer oil. All the arrest that has been made, no one has linked our staff.

“It is a welcome development to secure such amount of loan for electricity in the country. I believe that the money will be channelled appropriately. We are happy because it will increase electricity capacity and there will be electricity for all,” Mr Onyi said.