NDPHC Projects at Risk as Reps Target Illegal Structures

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Assets, chaired by Hon. Kuye Ademorin, has issued a warning regarding the demolition of illegal structures on federal government rights of way for power transmission projects. This warning follows an inspection of two Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) projects: the 132kV New Haven-Ninth Mile-Nsukka Double Circuit Transmission Line in Enugu State and the Egbu 330/132/33kV substation in Owerri, Imo State.

During the inspection, the committee discovered various structures, including churches, hotels, private homes, and state government buildings, along the designated transmission routes, which threaten the timely completion of these projects. Ademorin criticized state authorities for approving such constructions and emphasized the need for cooperation between federal and state governments to protect public assets.

He called for prompt compensation for landowners affected by the projects and urged Nigerians to verify land ownership before purchasing. The Owerri substation is reported to be 85 percent complete and aims to add approximately 250 megawatts to Imo State's electricity supply.