The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) 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.
A statement signed by the Project’s Head of Communication, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, revealed that civil works were ongoing at the Transmission Sub-stations in Wiiyaakara and Bodo in Khana and Gokana local government areas of Rivers State.
Mba-Nwigoh revealed that earlier this year, the Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, led a Factory Assessment Test (FAT) team to China with similar visit to India by other staff alongside the Power Consultant for the purpose of making the best choices in the purchase of equipment and installation of the power plant.
He further revealed that the Ogoni Power Project (OPP) is one of the key value additions to implementing the UNEP Report on Ogoni Environment recommendations.
Mba-Nwigoh added that the project is intrinsically connected to other thematic areas of the Ogoni Cleanup programme such as the provision of potable water, public health intervention, CEER, livelihood, peacebuilding, human capacity development, among others.
The Project Coordinator’sTechnical Assistant (TA) on Power, Engr. Dr Joseph Aadum, also explained to LEADERSHIP on Tuesday, that the staff quarters and transformer foundations of the project were ready, adding that the gantry foundation was also at about 40% completion.
While explaining that the foundation for the third line of gantry was ongoing, Aadum reiterated that a total of 27 gantries will be constructed for the 132KV transmission-incomer, and 18 at the 33KV-outgoing.
“Phase 1 of the Project will be the construction of tower on the Right of Way. Phase 2 will be the distribution of power to Ogoni communities,” he explained.
The Ogoni Power Project, one of HYPREP’s flagship projects is expected to connect Ogoni to the national grid and enable reliable and stable power supply and sustain various HYPREP projects.
Such projects include Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration (CEER), Ogoni Specialist Hospital, Buan Cottage Hospital, Water Projects, and is also projected to revamp the socio-economic paradigm of Ogoni, strengthening local businesses and placing the region as a destination of choice for investment.
