Maiduguri-Damaturu power project may not be ready by December -PHCN

He however warned that government would not hesitate to blacklist any contractor that fail to redeem the pledge of completing his obligation. Engineer Labbo who was in Damaturu to supervise the project which was expected to be commissioned by December this year said much progress had been made but the end of the year dateline […]

He however warned that government would not hesitate to blacklist any contractor that fail to redeem the pledge of completing his obligation.

Engineer Labbo who was in Damaturu to supervise the project which was expected to be commissioned by December this year said much progress had been made but the end of the year dateline might not be realistic.

Labbo said part of the factors that might delay the project includes compensation, rainfall, and community obstructions.

Our correspondent learnt that some villagers in Gujba Local Government had stopped the progress of work over allegations that their farmlands were being destroyed even as they alleged failure of relevant authorities to pay them compensation.

The PHCN Boss who confirmed the action of the villagers however said their entitlements were being released and that payment would soon commence.

“I have noticed much progress from the time I visited the project site in March. I have been told that all the materials required for the completion of this job are now ready. This is quite remarkable because the last time I was here, most of the things were not on ground. The contractors especially the ones handling the transmission line are sure to round up but I am not confident that the work at the base station in Damaturu will be completed before that time”, Engineer Labbo said.

“This is why I believe that the December dateline may not be realistic. I am only being frank, maybe the entire project will be completed by March next year, Engineer Labbo said.