9th July, 2010
About four days after a truck rammed into high tension Power Holding Company, PHCN, poles that affected 16 electric poles and damaging two 500KVA transformers, power is yet to be restored to the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rukpokwu, Rumuodamaya and other adjoining villages that feed from the airport line.
Due to the enormity of the damage, the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa and over 30,000 residents of Rukpokwu, Rumuodamaya headquarters of Obio/Akpor Local Government Headquarters and other communities have been thrown into darkness.
Business Manager of PHCN in Rumuodomaya unit, Mr. Eugene Chuku, confirmed the incident.
He said the destruction took place at about 2a.m. on Monday, and was caused by a lorry allegedly escorted by some armed security men.
“The lorry knocked off the poles, causing destruction to the two 500KVA transformers and extensive to our lines that would run into several millions of naira to replace,†he said.
Those who operate small scale businesses and artisans in the area such as welders, hair dressers, shop owners are now forced to rely on their generators and are spending more money on fuel to power them.
Meanwhile, intense pressure is being mounted on PHCN to restore power to the international airport to ensure adequate power supply for night flights for international airlines.
—Okafor Ofiebor/      Port Harcourt