Non-compensation of traditional landowners and truancy by the contractor handing the 330KV transmission line project in Benin, Edo state are threatening the completion of the project, checks by Blueprint have revealed.
The contract is for the engineering procurement and construction of the 14 kilometers double circuits’ 330kv transmission line from the Benin North transmission substation to a turn-in-turn-out of one circuit of the existing Benin to Ajaokuta 330kv transmission line at tower 57.
The contract, which was awarded to Messrs Energo Nig Ltd., in October 2017, at the cost of N796, 657, 154, had a seven-month completion date.
Our correspondent gathered that almost 16 months after the contract was awarded, nothing tangible has been recorded.
A recent visit to the project site in Benin reveals that the contractor was not on ground and the pace of work was very slow.
Similarly, there are no indications that the contractor was planning to commence further work on the project any time soon.
When contacted the Managing Director of the Messrs Energo Nig Ltd, Mr Goran Zivanovic, said his challenge is the fight between the company and the host communities of the project site because of the Right of Ways.
According to him, the communities insisted that unless compensation for the Right of Ways is paid to them, they would not allow any work to start there.
“The Contract was awarded to Messrs Energo Nig Ltd in October 2017 for the urgent execution because we have ongoing 330KV transmission line project Omotisho Erukan.
“Naira advance was paid 15% in February 2018 and we completed mobilization, design, soil test, ready for bush clearing and foundation. Unfortunately, we have never commenced due to compensation issue’’, he said.
He also stated that USD portion of 2 million was funded through LC and fully utilized for procurement and that Conductors and accessories off loaded and stored at Energo yard at Ijebu Ode and Omotosho project.
