The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has recorded another significant milestone in the construction of the 132KVA Ogoni Power Project, following the receipt of four 60MVA Transformers for the Wiiyaakara and Bodo transmission substations, as well as 12 additional trucks containing transformer accessories.
A statement signed by the Project’s Head of Communication, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, revealed that currently, civil works are ongoing at the Transmission Sub-stations in Wiiyaakara and Bodo in Khana and Gokana LGAs.
He revealed that earlier this year, Professor Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator of HYPREP, led a Factory Assessment Test (FAT) team to China adding that a similar visit to India was also conducted by other staff of HYPREP along side the Power Consultant to enable them to make the best choices in respect to the purchase equipments and installation of the power plant for the Ogoni people.
The statement further revealed that the Ogoni Power Project (OPP) is one of the key value additions as part of HYPREP’s effort to implement the recommendations of the UNEP Report on Ogoni Environment. Arguably, it is intrinsically connected to other thematic areas of the Ogoni Cleanup programme, including the provision of potable water, public health intervention, CEER, livelihood, peacebuilding, and human capacity development, among others.
Dr Joseph Aadum, the Technical Assistant (TA) to the Project Coordinator on Power, also explained to LEADERSHIP yesterday that the staff quarters and transformer foundations are ready, adding that the gantry foundation is approximately 40% complete.
While explaining that the foundation for the third line of gantry is ongoing, Aadum reiterated that a total of 27 gantries will be constructed for the 132KV transmission-incomer, and 18 at the 33KV-outgoing.
The Engineer who explained that the transformer foundations are under construction in Wiiyaakara also listened to the power project components, which include: transmission, construction of substations, installation, and pre-commissioning (Testing). The right-of-way of the power project connects through 24 communities in Eleme, Tai, Gokana, and Khana LGAs.
He further stated that payment for the wayleave is currently ongoing, explaining that Khana has been paid, while Gokana is still ongoing, followed by Tai and Eleme LGAs.
“Phase 1 of the Project will be the construction of a tower on the Right of Way. Phase 2 will be the distribution of power to Ogoni communities”.
Instructively, the Ogoni Power Project, one of HYPREP’s flagship projects, is a game changer. Aside the fact that it will connect Ogoni to the national grid and enable reliable and stable power supply, it will sustain the various HYPREP Projects, viz: 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”, he stated.
