Power Generation ‘PHCN Owes RSG N8bn’

Rivers State Government says it is being owned over N8billion for power generated from the state Independent Power Project (IPP), by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)

Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who stated this yesterday during an interactive stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt, said the state Power Plants have increased its generating capacity which PHCN distributes

The governor explained that the state government has procured three new transformers to aid distribution of electricity in Port Harcourt and its environs which had been installed at Oginigba sub-station and increased power supply to about 70 per cent.

He, however, noted the problem of electricity supply in the state hinges on distribution because the state power plants are generating enough to serve the people of the state.

The state chief executive, said the state government is currently undergoing the due process procedure in order to partner with a private firm in the distribution of power generated from the state IPP.

On the development control policy, the governor stated that the alternative to quick decongestion of Port Harcourt is to develop another viable commercial centre like Omoku town which has the potentials of growth.

To this end, Governor Amaechi said Omoku, the headquarters of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government would be redesigned for development control because of its development prospects based on the oil and gas activities in the area.

The governor who got the permission of stakeholders to demolish the waterfronts, said all available security reports minuted to him advised him to clean up the areas if the total restoration of peace in Port Harcourt would be achieved.

He lamented the level of lawlessness in Port Harcourt as developers have disfigured the hitherto planned city that was regarded as the Garden City of Nigeria.

“ I hate ethnic politics, nobody can accuse me of ethnic cleansing, the demolition exercise is meant to sensitise and check criminal activities”, the governor said, pointing out that the system in the waterfronts makes it difficult for the apprehension of criminals.

On the refinery road, he explained that the state government would approach the federal government to guarantee refund after reconstruction of the road and also secured the permission of the forum to demolish illegal structures opposite the refinery.