RSG Begins Land Valuation For TransmissionLines

The Rivers State Government, has commenced the valuation of lands acquired for the installation of transmission lines for the injection of substations to provide sustainable power supply in the state.

The Commissioner for Power, Hon. Augustine Wokocha who said this at a meeting with the representatives of communities affected, reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that all parts of the state are provided with constant light.

According to the commissioner, the government has given him the mandate to supply power to Port Harcourt and its environs and to ensure that all monies spent for the purpose are judiciously used.

He advised the communities not to think of what to gain financially but to consider the overall interest of the state and the common good of the people.

His words: “Within the laws of the Nigerian State, Government is empowered to take land for development  purposes but this administration is wearing a human face and negotiating with the people concerned before such actions are taken”.

He urged them to cooperate with the Estate Surveyors and Valuers to actualise the project, pointing out that the government would communicate to them as soon as the valuation exercise is concluded and the worth of the lands approved by the governor.

Responding, a representative of Elelenwo Community, Eze Sunny Weli Chuku thanked the government for its responsiveness and commended its efforts at providing electricity for the people of the state.

According to him, negotiating with the people before acquiring their lands is commendable as they need to know how the transmission lines would run.

Also speaking, Barrister Ogbonna Innocent of Eneka Community appealed to the government to persuade the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to reconsider the over estimated bills issued to electricity consumers in the state.

Shedie Okpara