The Dr. Samuel Ogbuku-led Executive Management Committee of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has announced plans to commission 92 infrastructure projects executed at a cost of N84 billion across the nine mandate states in the region within the next two weeks.
Disclosing this in a statement in Port Harcourt, Director, Corporate Affairs, NDDC, Pius Ughakpoteni, said that the projects are already speaking of the impact the commission is making in changing the development narratives of the region.
The projects, he said, include the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road, which creates a link to the ancient city of Nembe. The 9.15km of pre-fabricated vertical drains on the swamp and seven bridges are also among the star projects in the area.
These projects, executed at the cost of N24 billion, would cut the traveling time to Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, from three hours on dangerous water routes/curves to 45 minutes, while opening up 14 communities for development.
The projects were executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), and are seen as a model in NDDC’s partnership approach to tackling the development challenges of the region.
Also slated for commissioning is the 132KV transmission line and I32KV/33KV sub-station electrification project, executed for N8.3 billion to optimise power supply to local councils in the Southern part of Ondo State.
The project covers the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV injection substations with breakers, gantry and substation automation.
It also includes the construction of a three-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters. The capacity of the power station is optimised with the provision of 2 x 60MVA, 132/33KV transformer and other ancillary works at Okitipupa injection sub-station, rehabilitation of 35km 33/11KV transmission from Okitipupa-Igbokoda-Ugbonla and environs, as well as the construction of 1km rigid pavement.
The electricity project will complement the Federal Government’s effort in the power sector development by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other neighbouring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District, with direct value chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and, consequently, engender growth and development in Ondo State.
