Reps seek completion of NDPHC’s 330kV transmission project

By Obas Esiedesa, Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets has urged the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to complete the 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project (Lot 18T), describing it as critical to improving electricity supply and economic development.

The committee also pledged to support efforts to resolve funding challenges and community-related issues delaying the completion of the project.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye, made the call after leading members on an inspection of the project site, where they assessed the level of work completed and engaged with community leaders, the engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Anita Energy, and NDPHC officials.

Other lawmakers on the inspection tour included Hon. Tunji Akinosi, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu and Hon. Patrick Umoh.

Kuye said the visit was part of the committee’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government assets and projects, aimed at ensuring that public investments are not wasted.

He explained that the transmission line was among critical infrastructure projects identified for possible revival due to its potential impact on power supply and economic activities.

“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.

The lawmaker said the committee found that both NDPHC and the contractor were willing to return to site once outstanding challenges were 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,” he said.

Kuye said completion of the project would strengthen electricity infrastructure, support businesses, improve the activities of farmers and artisans, enhance security and promote socio-economic development in Akwa Ibom State and neighbouring areas.

He commended host communities for protecting project materials despite the prolonged suspension of work.

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

Kuye urged NDPHC to expedite payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners to enable the contractor return to site and complete the project.

“We want to implore NDPHC that everything necessary should be done, particularly the payment of the outstanding compensation. Some payments have already been made, but the balance should be settled so that the community can allow the contractor to return to site and complete the project,” he stated.

Addressing residents, the lawmaker assured them that the National Assembly would work with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and local authorities to remove all obstacles hindering the project.

Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, said the contractor abandoned the project more than six years ago.

He appealed to the Federal Government and NDPHC to resolve outstanding compensation claims and other challenges preventing completion of the transmission line.

“We want the contractor to return to 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,” he said.