The Niger Delta Power Holding Company, NDPHC, Limited has awarded the contract for immediate installation and energising of the Owerri NIPP 2 x 150MVA & 2 x 60MVA 330/132/33kV Owerri Transmission Substation.
The contract was awarded to Messrs Ak-AY Elektrik.
According to a statement by the Technical Adviser, Media, NDPHC, Mr. ‘Sanya Adejokun, the transformers were installed more than 10 years ago without them either energised or given adequate preservation.
He said they were recently tested by experts who recommended vacuum drying process to remove ingressed moisture trapped inside the four power transformers.
“It is, therefore, pertinent for them to first be uninstalled and transported to GTA Factory in Lagos for the oven drying and then delivered back to Owerri for final erection and energisation,” he explained.
Adejokun added that the Executive Director, Networks at NDPHC, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, had already dispatched letters to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, intimating them of the development.
He quoted Oyedele as saying: “There was no attempt to steal the transformers. The Indians are workers of GTA, subcontractors to our EPC Contractor, Messrs Ak-Ay Elektric, who went to take the transformers to their workshop for vacuum drying and testing.”
He stated that Oyedele also asked for the cooperation of citizens of Imo State so that the contractor could immediately commence work and for them to complete in record time.
He said the statement, therefore, corrected the misunderstanding about the intention and status of the contractors as published by a section of the media at the weekend.
“We thank the Government and people of Imo State for their vigilance and sustained cooperation to ensure the protection and security of government properties and our workers,” Oyedele was said to have further said.
