The Anambra State Government has appealed to residents of Nnewichi in Nnewi North Local Government Area to support the ongoing right-of-way clearance for the construction of a major electricity transmission project aimed at improving power supply in the area.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barrister Chijioke Ojukwu, made the appeal while speaking with journalists in Awka.
He explained that the exercise is to create the required corridor for the construction of a 132KVA electricity transmission line at Umuogbo Obiofia, Nnewichi, describing the project as critical to the state’s infrastructure development.
Barrister Ojukwu acknowledged that public infrastructure projects may cause temporary inconvenience but stressed that they are necessary to promote sustainable development, improve service delivery and stimulate economic growth.
According to him, projects such as roads, schools, markets, courts and electricity infrastructure often require land acquisition in the overriding public interest.
The Commissioner assured affected residents that the Soludo administration would ensure fairness, transparency and due process throughout the exercise.
He recalled that property owners affected by the Anambra Beltway road expansion were duly compensated, expressing confidence that a similar approach would be adopted where compensation becomes necessary for the current project.
Barrister Ojukwu also disclosed that the Ministry of Lands would commence documentation of affected properties within the next two weeks as part of the process leading to possible compensation before full implementation of the project.
He urged residents to cooperate with the government, expressing optimism that the transmission line project would significantly improve electricity supply and accelerate socio-economic development in Nnewichi and neighbouring communities.
