NEPA to Spend N890m on Projects in Lagos
Set to launch customer care centres
By Chinazor Megbolu
In order to boost power supply in Lagos state, the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), Ikeja Zone, is to spend N890 million on projects in the state.
This was disclosed by the Chief Operating Officer of the zone, Engineer R. O. Okeke during a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Tinubu.
According to Engr. Okeke, he said that the projects is aimed at improving their network and service delivery to their numerous customers. In his speech, he listed out the following Distribution Projects embarked upon by the zone:
Construction of 2no. 15MVA injection substations at Ajao Estate to improve the quality of supply and eliminate shedding to electricity customers at Ajao Estate, Oshodi-Mafoluku, Airport Road and Isolo... "We have also completed construction of the 4 kilometers 33kv overhead line linking Ajao Estate injection substation to its service transmission station at Isolo. This project will be put to use before the end of 1st week of August" he stated.
Construction of 1no. 15MVA substation at Ilupeju to stop excessive loading shedding at Ilupeju Palmgroove Estate, Obanikoro, Ilupeju Industrial Estate, Onigbongbo, Ikorodu Road, Oshodi and Ikeja Military Cantoment. This project was commissioned on July 15, 2004.
Construction of 1no. 15MVA 33/11kv at Okota to improve quality of power supply to electricity customers Okota, Ago Palace way, Cele and Amuwo. This project is at 60% completion stage Both he two transformer plinths, Control Room and 1no.15MVA/33kv transformer are ready at site. Completion and commission date is targeted for September ending.
Construction of 6.2kilometer of 33kv overhead line and 2x15MVA Transformer at Magodo. 65% of this projects has been completed and commissioning is slated for 15, September, 2004. According to Okeke, "the highbrow Magodo suffer poor voltage regulation and acute feeder load shedding. This will improve power supply to Magodo Phase 1and 2, Shangisha, part of Ikosi and Agiliti" he said.
Speaking further, he said that they have slated for completion the following ongoing projects before end of first quarter of 2005. The projects are targeted at improving power supply in areas where the state government is having residential development projects within the jurisdiction of Ikeja Distribution Zone. According to the C.O.O of the zone, the developmental projects includes; 2x15MVA Igando 33/11kv injection substation, upgrading of Yusuf 2.5MVA to 7.5MVA 33/11kv, installetion of 2.5MVA 33/11kv injection substation at Alagbado near Ilapo village, 2x15MVA 33/11kv injection substation at Ayobo, additional 15MVA 33/11kv transformer at Odogunyan, Ikorodu, additional 15MVA 33/11kv transformer at Ekoro, Abule Egba, inatallation of a 2.5MVA 33/11kv at Igbogbo area Ikorodu and additional 7.5MVA 33/11kv transformer at Iju Water Works area respectively.
In order to reduce the inconveniences their customers go through while paying electricity bills, the zone is set to launch customer care centers throughout Ikeja Distribution Zone. According to Engr. Okeke, "customers will be encouraged to drop their personal cheques at their convenience in any of our 24 hour man stations.Their account will be credited and receipt delivered to them as soon as their cheques are validated by our collecting banks" he added.
Furthermore, Engr. Okeke pointed out that issuing of crazy bills, estimation of customers electricity consumption will be eliminated completely soonest. "The zone will soon complete arrangement to introduce pre-payment meters in all our willing customer offices and premises that will pay a token for the pre-payment meters. The cost of this meters will be published in the newspapers" he added.
Towards achieving a higher level of performance in power generation, transmission, distribution and marketing electricity throughout the whole country, Engr. Okeke disclosed that the ongoing repositioning and restructuring of NEPA by the Federal Government and the NEPA management will witness improve power supply to all their teeming population of Lagos state. He also added that his zone has embarked on several Distribution Projects aimed at improving network and service delivery to their numerous customers.
On the issue of disconnection, he stated that the zone has concluded plans to commence meter point disconnection with some sort of security. "Those in block of flats will no longer experience disconnection because of their debtor neighbours" he declared. He also stressed further that any customers who breaks the seal at the point of the disconnection or that of the meter will be liable of a penalty of N50,000 and will apply afresh for electricity connection.
During the courtesy call, Engr. Okeke applauded the support and interest Governor Tinubu has shown towards the improvement of electricity in Lagos state as well as the whole country at large. He did not fail to mention the numerous distribution transformers Governor Tinubu donated to many communities. According to Okeke, "some of these transformers have been installed and some are still awaiting installation because materials have not been provided for them."
|
