From David Onuoja, Abuja
The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), to resolve the funding constraints and lingering community issues delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, who gave the assurance recently, after leading members of the committee on an inspection to the project site, and to assessed the level of work completed where they held a discussions with community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and NDPHC officials.
According to Nazo Agim, Head, Corporate Communication and External Relations NDPHC, said, the visit was part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government assets and projects to ensure that public investments are not wasted.
He explained that the transmission line was identified as one of several critical infrastructure projects that could be revived to support economic growth and improve electricity supply.
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“In the course of our investigation into government assets and projects, we observed that some have been abandoned over the years despite the huge investments committed to them. We felt those investments should not go to waste, so we decided to identify projects that can be resuscitated and understand what led to their abandonment,” he said.
According to him, “both the NDPHC and the contractor have expressed readiness to complete the project once outstanding challenges are addressed.
“We realised that there is an intention on the part of NDPHC to continue with the project. We also found that the contractor is willing to return to site and complete the work. This is a very important project not only for the host communities but also for the economy of the state and the country.
Kuye said completing the project would improve electricity infrastructure, boost businesses, support farmers and artisans, enhance security and stimulate socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring areas.
The lawmaker urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to pave the way for the contractor’s return to site.
Addressing community members, Kuye also assured them that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Federal Government, the Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove all obstacles delaying the project.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, lamented that the contractor abandoned the project more than six years ago.
He appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and address other issues preventing the completion of the project.
The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line is expected to strengthen the national grid by evacuating electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta and improving power supply to industries and households in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states when completed.
Other members of the committee on the visit were Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.
