By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State government has expressed her interest to have the already ongoing construction of the 132KV Umuchu Sub-Station completed before the stipulated timeframe of 18 months.

This was revealed by the state Commissioner for Power and Water Resources, Engr. Julius Chukwuemeka, during the inspection of the project at Umuchu, Aguata Local Government Area of the Anambra, on Thursday.

According to the media aide to the commissioner, Pajimon Chukwuemeka, his principal embarked on the inspection alongside some other top government functionaries, staff of the construction firm handling the project, and stakeholders from the community, who went to witness the massive construction by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Giving an overview of the project while touring the facility with the inspection team, a representative of the contracting firm, Cartlack Nig. Ltd., Surv. Emmanuel Bitrus, said that no fewer than 25 containers of equipment meant for the project had arrived the site, while 18 more were still on the way.

He revealed that the 2x60MVA transformers had also been received for the project.

Bitrus noted that Anambra is the most serious and most committed among the 15 other states where similar project is ongoing across the federation.

According to him, the technical facet of the project as well as the sub-station would have its power source from the Agụ-Awka Sub-station.

He further explained that the civil and electrical works for the transmission lines from the Agu-Awka Sub-Station would kick-off any moment from now.

Bitrus assured that the project would be completed within the stipulated 18 months.

In his response, Commissioner Chukwuemeka expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work but hailed the efforts of the contracting firm.

He emphasised State Government’s desire to ensure timely completion of the 132KV Sub-Station before the set 18-month timeframe.

The Commissioner called for a more rapid pace in executing the project, given the extensive support from both the state government and the host community.

Advising the contracting firm to leverage on the dry season to expedite the construction process, the Commissioner asked the firm to submit a comprehensive work program for the project, saying that it will aid in easy monitoring.

He also urged them to always brief his Ministry on any challenge they encounter in the course of handling the project.