The House of Representatives on Thursday, pledged to work with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company to address funding and community-related challenges delaying the completion of the abandoned 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line Project in Akwa Ibom State.
The commitment followed an inspection of the project site by members of the House Committee on Public Assets, who assessed the level of work completed and met with officials of the NDPHC, the Engineering, Procurement and Construction contractor, Anita Energy, as well as traditional rulers and community leaders.
Leading the delegation, Chairman of the committee, Ademorin Kuye, said the visit formed part of the National Assembly’s ongoing investigation into abandoned Federal Government projects to ensure public investments are not wasted.
According to him, the transmission line is a strategic infrastructure project capable of boosting electricity supply, strengthening the national grid and driving economic growth in Akwa Ibom and neighbouring states once completed.
Kuye noted that discussions with the NDPHC and the contractor showed both parties were willing to resume work once outstanding challenges, including funding and compensation issues, are resolved.
He added that the National Assembly would collaborate with the Federal Government, Akwa Ibom State Government and relevant local authorities to ensure the project is completed.
READ ALSO:Â Legacy, Not Legislation: Shehu Sani Urges Lawmakers To Stand For Principle
The lawmaker also commended residents of the host communities for safeguarding critical project materials despite the project being abandoned for more than six years, describing their actions as a demonstration of commitment to the successful completion of the transmission line.
He, however, urged the NDPHC to expedite the payment of outstanding compensation to affected landowners, saying it remains one of the key conditions for the contractor’s return to the site.
Earlier, the Village Head of Adiasim Ikot in Essien Udim Local Government Area, Chief Joseph Gall Udo, appealed to the Federal Government and the NDPHC to resolve the lingering compensation issues and facilitate the contractor’s return, stressing that the project would bring significant benefits to the host communities.
The 330kV Double Circuit Ikot Ekpene–Ikot Abasi Transmission Line was initiated under the National Integrated Power Projects to evacuate electricity generated by power plants in the Niger Delta into the national grid.
When completed, it is expected to improve power supply to homes and industries, strengthen transmission capacity and support economic activities across the region.