Killing Of 2 Technical Staff Stalls Power Project In Anambra – Ohanaeze

Leader of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide (youth wing), Anambra State chapter, Mr. Onyedika Eweh has stated that the killing of two technical workers of the company handling a power project in the state was responsible for the delay in the project execution.

He made the statement yesterday in reaction to a motion moved by the member representing Aguata federal constituency of the state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dominic Okafor wherein the latter told his colleagues that the Agu Awka Umuchu 132KV DC Transmission Line and 2 +132KV Line Bay Extension at Agu Awka, Anambra State project has been abandoned and called for a probe into the project.

But the Ohanaeze youth leader in a reaction yesterday faulted Hon. Okafor stating that his youth group had been monitoring the execution of the power project since its contractor mobilised to site in 2021.

He stated that as part of the resolve by his youth group to ensure that public funds were accounted for they had monitored the execution of the power project by the contractor, Cartlark International Limited.

He stated that his group participated in the process of engaging the over 15 communities along the power line.

He also stated that the contractor effectively had, as at 2023 mobilised to site with all necessary earth-moving equipment, completed the landscaping and done other preparations, and, work was in progress at the site until suddenly a gang of hoodlums launched attack on the site, and, killed two staff members of the contractor at Ibughubu Umuchu in Aguata local government area of the state.

The Ohanaeze youth leader’s statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the motion moved on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday by the Member Representing the Good People of Aguata Federal Constituency- Hon. Dominic Okafor; called for probe of the Project, the Contractor and the purpose of the said abandonment of the Project.

“We want to state categorically that Agu Awka Umuchu 132KV DC Transmission Line and 2 x 60MVA Substation at Ibughubu Umuchu with 2 x 132KV Line Bay Extension at Agu Awka, Anambra State is not an abandoned project.

“To set the record straight, we are very much aware that the Contractor of this Project mobilised to the site in 2021, and was initially faced with challenges of communal crisis over the project sites.

“In line with our resolve to hold our Representatives accountable on public funds and resources, we consciously followed up and participated in all the processes of engaging with the over 15(Fifteen) Communities along (within or outside) the DC Transmission route.

“Most of our members till today serve as community Laiason officers (CLO). Other of our members who are surveyors were part of the DC Transmission route Survey and clearing for the installation of the Transmission Towers.

“As we speak, most of the equipment for the project is already on site including the Transformers. Every required earth moving work for the landscaping and other necessary preparations were done and completed since late 2023, and work in progress until the site was attacked by gunmen and killed two(2) Staff of the Cartlark International Limited at Ibughubu Umuchu.

“These challenges notwithstanding, we are motivated and encouraged by the resilience and determination of the Contractor to deliver project regardless of the unfortunate and life threatening encounters they face on a daily basis.

“We also commend Cartlark International Limited for engaging the youths of the host communities, who work and benefit from the project, thereby reducing unemployment.

“May I use this opportunity to also commend the Executive Governor of Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR (DikeUdo) for the proactive response in providing adequate security to the area in support of the Ongoing Project.

“We commend the Federal Government for this laudable initiative and investment in our dear State Anambra as we are certain that at completion and full operations, Anambra shall be more livable and prosperous.”