By: Felix Ikpotor
The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says it has recorded another significant milestone in the construction of the 132KVA Ogoni Power Project, following the receipt of 4 60MVA Transformers for the Wiiyaakara and Bodo Transmission sub-stations, and 12 additional trucks containing transformer accessories.
Recall that earlier this year, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, led a Factory Assessment Test (FAT) team to China while a similar visit to India was conducted by other staff of HYPREP along side the Power Consultant.
HYPREP said civil works are ongoing at the Transmission Sub-stations in Wiiyaakara and Bodo in Khana and Gokana LGAs respectively.
Engr. Joseph Aadum, the Technical Assistant (TA) on Power to the PC explained that staff quarters and transformer foundations are ready while the gantry foundation is at about 40% complete. Also, the foundation for the third line of gantry is ongoing. He said a total of 27 gantries will be constructed for the 132KV transmission-incomer, and 18 at the 33KV-outgoing. Similarly, in Wiiyaakara, the transformer foundations are under construction, he added.
The power project components includes Transmission- construction of substations; installation; pre-commissioning (Testing) while the Right of Way of the power project connects through 24 communities in Eleme, Tai, Gokana and Khana LGAs. Presently, payment for the wayleave is ongoing. The Project noted that Khana has been paid while that of Gokana is ongoing, stressing that it will be followed by Tai and Eleme LGAs.
The interventionist agency explained that Phase 1 of the Project will be the construction of tower on the Right of Way while Phase 2 will be the distribution of power to Ogoni communities.
Instructively, HYPREP said the Ogoni Power Project when completed is expected to connect Ogoni to the national grid and enable reliable and stable power supply, to sustain the various HYPREP Projects such as the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, Water Projects, and revamp the socio-economic paradigm of Ogoni, strengthening local businesses and placing the region as a destination of choice for investment.
