Youth wing of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has clarified that the 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, is not an abandoned project.
The clarification came following a motion moved on the floor of the House of Representatives on Tuesday by the Member representing Aguata Federal Constituency, Hon. Dominic Okafor; in which he called for probe of the project, the contractor and the purpose of the said abandonment of the project.
In a statement signed by Mazi Onyedika Eweh the State Ohaneze youth leader, said it is aware that the contractor of the project mobilised to the site in 2021, and was initially faced with the challenge of communal crisis over the project sites.
The group said in keeping with its resolve to hold its representatives accountable on Public funds and resources, it consciously followed up and participated in all the processes of engaging with the over 15 communities along, within and outside the DC Transmission route.
“Most of our members till today serve as community Liaison officers.
“Other of our members who are surveyors were part of the DC Transmission route survey and clearing for the installation of the Transmission Towers,”he explained.
Noting that most of the equipment for the project are already on site including the transformers, while every required earth-moving work for the landscaping and other necessary preparations were done and completed since late 2023, Eweh revealed that work was in progress until the site was attacked by gunmen and two staff of the contracting firm, Cartlark International Limited, killed at Ibughubu, Umuchu.
The Ohaneze youths, however, said they were 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.
“We also commend the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for the proactive response in providing adequate security to the area in support of the project, as well as the Federal Government for this laudable initiative and investment in our State.
“We are certain that at completion of this project and its full operations, Anambra shall be more livable and prosperous,” the youths concluded.
