The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has completed the construction of an electricity injection sub-station in Amufi-Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, Benin City, Edo State.
Pius Ughakpoteni, the NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed this.
He stated the sub-station would be commission and handed over to Benin Electric soon.
During a recent inspection of the 1×15mva 33/11kv electricity project, NDDC’s Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, expressed satisfaction with the completion status.
He emphasised the critical role of the substation in meeting the energy demands of communities in the vicinity.
He expressed the ambitious goal of transitioning the NDDC from a transactional entity to one deeply committed to sustainable development and transformation in the region.
Antai noted, “The NDDC chief executive officer has directed that the project monitoring and supervision team, led by me, should devote two days of every week to fieldwork to ensure that we keep track of the progress of our projects, as well as ensure that contractors do not compromise on our set standards.
“Following this directive, we are visiting project sites such as this one to finalise the processes for commissioning and proper handover to the BEDC.”
“I have inspected the equipment and facilities at this injection substation, and I am satisfied with the quality of work done by the contractor. I want to assure the community leaders and the people that the project will be commissioned and handed over to the BEDC before the end of this month.”
Antai commended the leaders and youths of the community for cooperating with the contractor and securing the project site and equipment to protect them from vandals.
He noted that all the installed equipment, which met international standards, was in good shape.
In his remarks during the inspection, a representative of BEDC, Kingsley Atseyinku, observed that the injection substation would assist the electricity company in its operations in Edo State.
he stated, “We wrote to the NDDC requesting a proper handover of the project to the BEDC so that the facility will be put to good use for the benefit of the people. We have tested the equipment, and we can confirm that it is good,”.
Giving a update on the project, the Head of Project Monitoring and Supervision in the NDDC Edo State office, Mrs Jane Fregene, affirmed that the 1×15 MVA 33/11kv Injection Substation Equipment and Control Room had been tested by the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency and certified to be good.
“The substation will supply electricity to Amufi community. It will also increase productivity in business for companies and artisans around Amufi and its environs,” She stated.
Chief Egharevba Iyi-Ewu, the traditional ruler in Amufi, thanked the NDDC for executing the electricity project and urged the commission to accelerate action towards its inauguration.
