OpeOluwani Akintayo
14 October 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos – Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said he had written to all the 36 states governors and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT minister, asking them to support the electricity Distribution Companies, Discos, in protecting and recovering the right of way for their distribution lines.
In a statement on Monday, the minister revealed that obstruction of rights of way in communities in Ondo State around Okitipupa; in Onitsha, Nnewi, Ihiala in Anambra State, Mowe in Ogun State, and others across the country, has hampered connection of 11Kv and 33Kv distribution lines within the states.
“The problem of right of way is one that we must overcome together. I have signed letters last week to all 36 state governors and the FCT minister, with copies to each Disco asking them to support you in protecting and recovering the right of way for your distribution lines so that you can serve their states and residents better,” he said.
The minister added that the Asaba – Benin 330KV line was energised to service on 3rd November 2017.
“Asaba 330kv substation is now being fed from both Benin and Onitsha. The line also raised the number of circuits from Onitsha to Benin to 3”.
Presently a 40mva 132/33kv mobile transformer is undergoing installation at Auchi,, Benin with in-house capacity to be commissioned in two weeks’ time, according to Fashola.
A new 330/ 132kv substation, will be constructed at Okpai also in Benin, with a 132kv line from the station to service a proposed 132/33kv substation at Kwale.
“The procurement of the projects are ongoing”.
“Installation of a new 60mva 132/33kv transformer is to commence at Irrua transmission station any time from now,” he added.
