From David Onuoja, Abuja
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and PGM Nigeria Limited, has launched a sensitization programme for Project Affected Persons (PAPs), on the proposed reconstruction and upgrade of the Alaoji-Onitsha 330kV single-circuit transmission line.
The programme, held recently in Awka, brought together representatives from 14 communities in Anambra State and 79 communities in Abia and Imo States, with stakeholders discussing key issues and the way forward.
The aims of the project which is to improve power supply in the region, boost economic activities, and increase power transmission capacity. The upgrade will involve converting the existing line to a quad circuit configuration, more than doubling its capacity and enhancing electricity supply reliability.
The statement said that the affected individuals, families, and business owners will receive adequate compensation, with provisions made by the government. TCN will collaborate with PGM Nigeria Limited to implement the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) and facilitate the clearing of the transmission Right of Way.
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The Alaoji-Onitsha transmission line project spans 138 kilometres, covering Anambra, Abia, and Imo States. About 355 structures are affected in Awka alone, with minimal impact on residential and commercial buildings.
The workshop also attracted representatives of the Anambra State Government, traditional rulers, and non-governmental organisations, who gathered to deliberate on the successful implementation of the Alaoji–Onitsha power line project. An interactive session was also held, during which stakeholders discussed key issues and the way forward.
In his remarks, the Assistant General Manager (Transmission), Onitsha Sub-Region, Engineer Ifeanyi Okonkwo, who represented the General Manager (Transmission), Enugu Region, Dr. Thomas Inugonum, explained that the project is aimed at improving power supply in the region.
He called for the cooperation of all stakeholders to ensure smooth execution, noting that the project would boost economic activities across the affected states. While assuring participants that adequate compensation would be paid to individuals, families, and business owners impacted by the project.
Equally addressing participants, the AGM/Project Manager, TCN African Development Bank Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Engineer Omobola Sobo, confirmed that provisions had been made by the government to compensate affected persons.
Engr. Sobo added that the project is one of its kind in the country, comprising two major transmission lines, the Mando–Rimi Zakara Double Circuit 330kV quad line in the North, spanning 204 kilometres, and the Alaoji–Onitsha transmission line, covering 138 kilometres. Both lines are designed to significantly increase power transmission capacity.
Earlier, the consultant from PGM Nigeria Limited, Mr. Bassey Uzodinma, explained that the number of affected structures was minimal, consisting mainly of residential and commercial buildings. He noted that the Right of Way (RoW) had been reduced, with impacts largely limited to fences, shops, and similar structures. According to him, about 355 structures are affected in Awka alone.
