Some members
of Ika Elders Forum, (I.E.F), were in the morning of Tuesday, June 14, 2011 at
the office of PIVOT Engineering Company
Limited, one of the contractors handling
the Independent Power Project (I.P.P) in Delta State. The meeting was held in
the Julius Berger yard Owa-Oyibu, in Ika North- east Local Government
Area.
Speaking during the meeting, the Project Manager of
the Company , Mr. Ian Marsh was made to know that the Ika Elders Forum pays
serious attention to the project and are concerned about its successful
completion. “We have come to thank you for not abandoning us. We come to also know the state of affairs
concerning the project,” the forum declared.
Responding, Mr. Marsh said that the project is still in progress, and will be
completed in due course. He said that the Iranian contractor who was handling
part of the project earlier on has been replaced by another contractor for more
efficient and prompt delivery of the work. He said that some of the problems
have to do with designing, construction and installation. He added that PIVOT
Engineering Company has the responsibility of designing for the consultants,
who are in position to either approve of, or reject the construction before
installation. “We need to seek approval from Abuja and abroad. We are constructing a control
building for now in Agbor. All the equipment for Benin, Agbor and Asaba are
almost completed”.
Mr. Adios A. O, the company’s quality Assurance
Deputy Manager said that payments have
been made considerably regarding the rights of way, adding that the only people
left to be compensated are those within Boji-Boji town, which is about 3.5
kilometers as against the about 115 kilometers
stretch that has been accessed, and the people, compensated. He said
that by the time the project is completed, the people of Ika land, including
Benin and Asaba will experience constant power supply.
Mr. Ian Marsh made the gathering to know that the Ika
people have been very understanding, as they have assisted in safe guiding the
equipment belonging to National Integrated Power Project in the area. He
however, declined to give the exact date
of completing the project, saying that
if all that is needed is on ground, is available the power project will be
completed in no distant time. He stated that the PIVOT towers are yet to be
erected, but that all the materials for stringing are ready, and that as soon
as compensation is completed, the towers will be erected and stringing will be
carried out immediately. Mr. Ian Marsh appealed to Ika Elders Forum to hold
fast to their determination towards ensuring peace and unity in the community
and thanked them for their co-operation regarding the National Integrated Power
Project in the area.
Thanking the company on behalf of Ika Forum, Engr.
Geoffrey N. Iku said that the forum was
grateful for the warm reception accorded them by the engineering company. He asked the company work force to
expedite action towards the completion of the project and prayed for their
peaceful stay in Ika land.
Some members of the forum that were present during
the meeting include Chief Paul Eluem, Major (Rtd) Chief Efam, Hon. Chief
Nwaeboh, Hon. Andrew Egonte and Elder. John Ehikwe. Other are Chief Jeff, Hon.
Chief Justice S.A. Ehiwario, who is the national leader of the forum and also
the Okiroro of Owa kingdom, including Engr. Charles Akpo, Business Manager,
P.H.C.N.
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