By Uzo Ugwunze
Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide Anambra State Chapter has debunked alleged abandonment of Agu Awka Umuchu 132KV DC Transmission Line and 2 x 60MVA Substation at Ibughubu Umuchu with 2 x 132KV Line Bay Extension at Agu Awka, Anambra State.
Youth leader, Onyedika Eweh (Ugosinachi) in a statement on Thursday said contrary to motion moved by Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Hon. Dominic Okafor; calling for probe of the Project, the Contractor as well as the purpose of the alleged abandonment, most of the equipment for the project is already on site, including the transformers.
He added that every required earth moving work for the landscaping and other necessary preparations were done and completed since 2023, and work was in progress until hoodlums’ attack on the site that claimed two staff of the Cartlark International Limited at Ibughubu Umuchu.
The statement reads in part, “Our attention has been drawn to the motion moved on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday by the Member Representing the Good People of Aguata Federal Constituency- Hon. Dominic Okafor; called for probe of the Project, the Contractor and the purpose of the said abandonment of the Project.
“We want to state categorically that Agu Awka Umuchu 132KV DC Transmission Line and 2 x 60MVA Substation at Ibughubu Umuchu with 2 x 132KV Line Bay Extension at Agu Awka, Anambra State is not an abandoned project.
“To set the record straight, we are very much aware that the Contractor of this Project mobilised to the site in 2021, and was initially faced with challenges of communal crisis over the project sites.
“In line with our resolve to hold our Representatives accountable on public funds and resources, we consciously followed up and participated in all the processes of engaging with the over 15(Fifteen) Communities along (within or outside) the DC Transmission route.
“Most of our members till today serve as community Laiason officers (CLO). Other of our members who are surveyors were part of the DC Transmission route Survey and clearing for the installation of the Transmission Towers.
“As we speak, most of the equipment for the project is already on site including the Transformers. Every required earth moving work for the landscaping and other necessary preparations were done and completed since late 2023, and work in progress until the site was attacked by gunmen and killed two(2) Staff of the Cartlark International Limited at Ibughubu Umuchu.
“These challenges notwithstanding, we are motivated and encouraged by the resilience and determination of the Contractor to deliver project regardless of the unfortunate and life threatening encounters they face on a daily basis.
“We also commend Cartlark International Limited for engaging the youths of the host communities, who work and benefit from the project, thereby reducing unemployment.
“May I use this opportunity to also commend the Executive Governor of Anambra State Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo CFR (DikeUdo) for the proactive response in providing adequate security to the area in support of the Ongoing Project.
“We commend the Federal Government for this laudable initiative and investment in our dear State Anambra as we are certain that at completion and full operations, Anambra shall be more livable and prosperous.