The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has commenced an emergency upgrade of the electricity supply to its headquarters complex by formally handing over the project to Income Electrix, an integrated power company.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at the NDDC headquarters, the Director of Community and Rural Development, CRD, Engr. Theophilus Alagoa, said that the project was an emergency intervention designed to connect the NDDC headquarters to the Port Harcourt Electric Distribution Company, PHED, bilateral feeder.

Alagoa, who was represented by the Deputy Director of Community and Rural Development, Mr Olorunlara Olumide, explained that the objective of the project was to link the Commission’s headquarters complex to a more reliable power source to reduce high diesel consumption and ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply.

He stated: “We are here in respect of an emergency work awarded to Income Electrix to connect the NDDC head office to PHED. This meeting also serves as the formal introduction and handover of the contractor to handle the project.”

He urged the contractor to meet the Commission’s expectations and promptly communicate any challenges that might arise during execution.

According to him, “the scope of work for the project includes the construction of a 33KV double circuit line tapping from Hypercity Roundabout; installation of a 1.5MVA 33/0.415 distribution substation; upgrading of the existing 500KVA 11/0.415KV transformer at the annex to 500KVA 33/0.415KV, as well as the upgrade of the 33KV feeder switchgear at the supply end.”

In his remarks, the NDDC Deputy Director of Administration and Human Resources, Engr. Erefa Alalibo assured that the project monitoring department would ensure the work was executed in line with the required standards and specifications.

Responding, the representative of Income Electrix, Mr Umo Adam, assured the Commission that the project would be delivered in line with the agreed terms and conditions. He affirmed the company's commitment to quality and timely delivery.

The Director II, Corporate Affairs, Dr Tony Omah, emphasised the importance of proper needs assessment before the Commission embarks on any project, noting that such evaluations ensure that interventions are relevant and impactful. He stressed the need for project beneficiaries to take full ownership to ensure sustainability, while urging the contractor to maintain high standards of execution.

•PHOTO: NDDC Deputy Director, Community and Rural Development, Mr Olorunlara Olumide (2nd right) handing over project documents to the Business Development Manager of Income Electrix Ltd, Mr Omo Adam (2nd left) at the NDDC headquarters in Port Harcourt, With them are the NDDC Director Corporate Affairs, Dr Tony Omah (right); the Head of engineering, Income Electrix Ltd, Peekate Eric (left); and the NDDC head facility management in Admin and Human Resources, Engr Dr Alalibo Erefaa (middle)