The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to resolve funding constraints delaying the 330-kilovolt (kv) Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T).

The Head, Corporate Communication and External Relations, Niger Delta Power Holding Company
(NDPHC), Nazo Agim, said in a statement in Abuja on Thursday that the committee also resolved to settle the issues delaying completion of the project.

According to him, the project is expected to strengthen the national grid by evacuating electricity from power plants in the Niger Delta and improve power supply to industries and households in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring states when completed.

Mr Agim quoted the Chairman of the committee, Ademorin Kuye, as giving assurance after leading members of the committee on an inspection tour of the project site.

He said that the committee also assessed the level of work completed and held discussions with community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and NDPHC officials.

He listed other members of the committee on the visit to include Reps Tunji Akinosi, Jaafaru Yakubu and  Patrick Umoh.

The chairman of the committee, Mr Kuye, said that the visit was part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into abandoned federal government projects to ensure that public investments were not wasted.

He noted 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.

“In the course of our investigation into government assets and projects, we observed that some have been abandoned over the years in spite 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, 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 out that the contractor is willing to return to the 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,” he said.

Mr Kuye said that completing the project would improve electricity infrastructure, boost businesses, support farmers and artisans, enhance security and stimulate socio-economic development across Akwa Ibom and neighbouring areas.

He also commended members of the host communities for safeguarding project materials in spite the prolonged suspension of work.

He stated, “We were told that the materials needed to complete the project are already on ground, and we wanted to verify that ourselves. I must commend the people of the community for the way they have secured these assets.

“The wires, towers and other materials have been protected, which shows a high level of cooperation and commitment to seeing the project completed.”

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, Mr Kuye assured them that the National Assembly would collaborate with the federal government, Akwa Ibom State government and the authorities to remove obstacles delaying the project.

“We are doing everything possible to ensure that this project is completed. We will synergise with the federal, state and local government to ensure this project is delivered for the benefit of the community,” he said.

The Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in the Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Joseph Udo, said that the contractor abandoned the project over six years ago.

He appealed to the federal government and the NDPHC to settle outstanding compensation claims and address other issues delaying the completion of the project.

He noted, “We want the contractor to return to the site because the project will benefit our people. We have made sure that the equipment and other materials left behind by the contractor are protected.” 

(NAN)