Niger Delta Conflict Tracker (November – December 2018)
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January 29, 2019
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) at the weekend commissioned a132 KV transmission line and 30MVA, 132/33KVA substation at Afiesere, Ughelli in Delta State.
The project, which was awarded to Income Electrix Limited in 2011 at a cost of N2.2 billion, would end years of suffering the communities had endured due to lack of electricity.
According to NDDC’s Managing Director, Obong Nsima Ekere, who was represented by the Commissioner representing the state on the board, Dr. Ogaga Ifowodo, the facility would tremendously improve power supply and stability in Ughelli and its environs as well as support commercial and industrial activities.
The scope of work included the construction of 12.3KM double conduit 132KV transmission line from Transcorp power plant to Afiesere and erection of 2x132KV line bay extension substation at Ughelli.
It also involved construction of 1x30MVA 132/33KV substation at Afiesere with associated accessories as well as the establishment of a 1x30MVA, 132KV power infrastructure at Ozoro, Isoko North Local Council.
He disclosed that the facility also extends to Isoko and that materials for the Ozoro substation were on ground awaiting finalisation of contract details.
Ekere said: “I am extremely delighted to be in Afiesere to commission this project which will fast-track development and put an end to use of generators (that are) poisoning our air. Ozoro is also part of this project and material for its substation is already on ground. A lot of the components for the project are sourced abroad.
“So, the contractor, because of volatility, requested that the contract be awarded in U.S. dollar, which the NDDC has approved.”
The former Akwa Ibom State deputy governor noted that the project was strategic, as it connects the Urhobo and Isoko.
He commended the settlement for its cooperation while the construction lasted, urging it to guard the installation jealousy.
The President-General of Afiesere community, Mr. Victor Otumemine, said his people were overjoyed considering “the suffering the eight communities have endured for the past three years of total blackout.”
He pleaded with the commission to provide the area with an additional 2.5 MVA transformer.
Culled from: The Guardian
