The Federal Government has announced plans to demolish 355 buildings in various parts of Anambra State to facilitate the construction of the Alaoji-Onitsha Powerline.
This project, which is crucial to addressing the region’s power supply challenges, is projected to cost approximately N6.5 billion in compensation alone for affected property owners in Anambra State.
The Federal Government has earmarked a total compensation package of N12 billion for the entire Southeast region, which will cover communities in Anambra, Abia, and Imo States, as well as other impacted stakeholders.
The compensation, aimed at those whose properties will be demolished to make way for the transmission line, has been the subject of recent discussions between Anambra State stakeholders, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and consulting firm BGM Limited.
The Alaoji-Onitsha Powerline is a major infrastructure project spearheaded by TCN, and it is expected to span 15 communities across three local government areas in Anambra.
Once completed, the powerline will significantly boost the region’s electricity transmission capacity, alleviating power shortages that have plagued local businesses and industries.
In a meeting held in Awka, Anambra’s capital, project stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials, and representatives from non-governmental organizations, gathered to discuss the project’s progress and the compensation process. Omobola Oluwaseun Sogo, the Project Manager and Assistant General Manager at TCN, confirmed that the Federal Government has already allocated a portion of the funds for compensation.
She urged the affected communities to engage in discussions and come to an agreement swiftly, emphasizing that the project’s long-term benefits for the region outweigh any short-term inconveniences.
N6.5 Billion Compensation for Anambra
According to Basil Uzodinma, Managing Director of BGM Limited, the compensation package for Anambra alone will amount to N6.5 billion.
The demolition of 355 buildings in the state is part of a broader effort to remove encroachments and ensure the successful implementation of the powerline project. Uzodinma highlighted the historical loss of businesses in the region due to power outages, noting that some small enterprises had relocated to neighboring countries like Ghana in search of stable electricity.
He also noted that the project’s completion would mark a significant milestone in correcting power supply anomalies in the Southeast. “If we were transmitting 100 megawatts before, this project will increase that to 1,000 megawatts. This will help businesses thrive and eliminate the constant complaints of power shortages,” Uzodinma said.
A Promising Future for Southeast Businesses
For Ifeanyi Okonkwo, the Assistant General Manager in charge of TCN operations in Anambra, the Alaoji-Onitsha Powerline project is a much-needed step toward economic revitalization in the Southeast. Okonkwo stated that without reliable power, economic growth would remain stunted, adding that the powerline would create a more favorable environment for local businesses to thrive.
“We are here to talk about the way forward for the project,” Okonkwo remarked. “This project will positively impact our people. Power is the backbone of every successful business, and we need this project to drive growth in the region.”
Project Set to Begin Soon
With compensation discussions in progress, stakeholders are optimistic that the Alaoji-Onitsha Powerline project will proceed without further delays. As Sogo emphasized, “Once the communities come to terms with our discussions, we are good to go.”
The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the powerline improving power supply across the region and contributing to economic development in Anambra and beyond.
