Work At Alaoji Power Project Excites Sambo

Vice President Namadi Sambo, says the progress of work on the Alaoji Power Plants in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area of Abia has reached an appreciable level.

Sambo said, the projects when completed would further boost power supply in the country.

The vice president spoke to newsmen on Thursday after inspecting the 1074 megawatts combined cycle plants at Alaoji.

“I am very happy with what I have seen on the site, the projects have reached appreciable advanced stage.

“The contractor is working according to specifications of the programme,” he said.

The vice president was accompanied by Governor Theodore Orji of Abia and Benue Governor, Mr Gabriel Suswam on the inspection tour.

Sambo said that by the first quarter of 2011, two of the plants that would produce 250 megawatts would be ready.

Sambo explained that three companies, Total, Shell and ExxonMobil were working with Nigeria Gas Company to supply gas to the plants and added that Shell could supply gas needed for the first two plants.

He said that negotiation was going on with Total and ExxonMobil for the supply of the remaining quantity of gas when the project became operational.

Orji said that the project would boost the state’s economy and promised that the state government would ensure adequate protection of the project.

He urged the community to jealously protect the project and thanked the Federal Government for assisting in reducing the crime rate in the state.

The projects, which involve the construction of four gas turbines, was initiated in 2005.