Federal executive council (FEC) yesterday approved a total of about N4 billion to provide transmission infrastructure in order to increase power supply in parts of Anambra State.
The approval was granted at a meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Labaran Maku, minister of Information, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, minister of Health, and Prof. Chinedu Nebo, minister of Power, briefed the media at the end of the meeting.
Nebo said the projects are meant to serve communities within Onitsha and Ifitedunu known for their small scale industries and described as the industrial and manufacturing belt of the South East who have been facing power problems.
He said the projects that are expected to be completed within 24 months were awarded both in local currency and dollars.
The minister said, “The Federal Executive Council has approved the award of contract for engineering design, manufacture, supply, construction, testing and commissioning of Onitsha -Ifitedunu 132 KV Transmission line in favor of Messrs Sinotec-CCC International Joint Venture in the sum of $5.9m payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment plus N1.1bn inclusive of N271.9m for five per cent VAT and 10 per cent contingency with a completion period of 24 months.
“Council also approved the award of contract for engineering design, manufacture, supply, construction testing and commissioning of 2×60 MVA, 132/33KV substation at Ifitedunu and 2×132 line bays extension at Onitsha in favour of Messrs MBH Power Limited in the sum of $8.3m payable at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of payment plus N864.2m inclusive of N431.8m for the right of way compensation, five per cent VAT and 10 per cent contingency with a completion period of 24 months.”
Nebo said upon completion, the projects would improve power supply in communities such as Awka, Ifitedunu, Onitsha, Nnewi and Obosi among others.