The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to address right-of-way challenges delaying key electricity transmission projects, in a move aimed at improving power supply across the state.
The Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Casmir Chinenye Agummadu, disclosed this while receiving a delegation from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other government officials at his office in Awka.
Agummadu said resolving the bottlenecks affecting critical power infrastructure remains a top priority of the Soludo administration, noting that improved electricity supply is essential for economic growth and industrial development.
He assured the delegation of the state’s commitment to working with host communities, relevant agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the immediate resumption and successful completion of the projects.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power and Water Resources, Mr. Victor Ezekwo, explained that the meeting focused on resolving issues surrounding the acquisition of right-of-way for transmission line foundations, particularly in Nnobi and Nnewi.
Speaking on the project, TCN Project and Transmission Line Engineer, Engr. Kefas Baduku, said the transmission line is designed to strengthen the national grid, increase electricity wheeling capacity and expand access to reliable power across Anambra State.
According to him, the transmission line stretches from the Obosi Substation through Oba to Ihiala. He noted that while enumeration exercises were conducted in several communities in 2016, work in Nnobi has remained stalled due to land acquisition challenges and security concerns.
Baduku expressed confidence that collaboration between the Ministries of Power, Lands, Physical Planning and other stakeholders would fast-track the project’s implementation, describing dialogue and cooperation as key to resolving the lingering issues.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ASERC), Engr. Frank Okafor, commended the state government’s commitment to strengthening the power sector, expressing optimism that the renewed collaboration would facilitate the successful completion of the transmission project and enhance electricity supply across the state.
