The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has confirmed that Messrs. Ak-AY Elektrik are the contractors handling the Owerri Substation project.
Two Indian nationals were recently arrested for alleged attempt to remove two transformers at the substation in Egbu, Owerri.
They had claimed that they were instructed by the NDPHC authorities to remove the transformers and move them to Lagos.
They were resisted by youths in the area and subsequently arrested by the police after they failed to produce a letter of authorisation of the NDPHC.
However, in a statement obtained by ArmadaNews Online on Tuesday signed by Sanya Adejokun, Technical Adviser, Media, NDPHC, the power company said it awarded the contract for immediate installation and energising of the Owerri NIPP 2 x 150MVA & 2 x 60MVA 330/132/33kV Owerri Transmission Substation to Messrs. Ak-AY Elektrik.
According to the company, the transformers had been installed more than 10 years ago without them either being energised or given without adequate preservation.
“They (transformers) were recently tested by experts who recommended vacuum drying process to remove ingressed moisture trapped inside these four power Transformers. It is, therefore, pertinent for them to first be uninstalled and transported to GTA Factory in Lagos for the oven drying and then delivered back to Owerri for final erection and energisation.
“Executive Director, Networks at NDPHC, Engr. IfeOluwa Oyedele, has already dispatched letters to His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), intimating them of the development.”
He clarified: “There was no attempt to steal the transformers. The Indians are workers of GTA, subcontractors to our EPC Contractor, Messrs. Ak-Ay Elektric, who went to take the transformers to their workshop for vacuum drying and testing.”
According to the statement, Mr. Oyedele has solicited the cooperation of citizens of Imo State to enable the contractor commence work immediately and for them to complete it in record time.
“This statement, therefore, corrects a misunderstanding about the intention and status of the Contractors as published by a section of the media at the weekend.
“We thank the Government and people of Imo State for their vigilance and sustained cooperation to ensure the protection and security of government properties and our workers” the NDPHC said.