The Minister of Power, Engineer Saleh Mamman, Monday, inaugurated project delivery committee for the execution of over 40 years old Mambilla Hydroelectric in Taraba state.
The project upon completion is expected to transmit power to the national grid by four 500kV DC transmission lines connecting Makrudi, Benue state and one 330kV DC transmission line connecting Jalingo, the Taraba state capital.
The committee, which is headed by the overseeing director in-charge of renewable energy and rural power access in the ministry of Power, Engineer Faruk Yusuf Yabo, is to assist the inter-ministerial steering committee chaired by the minister.
The minister, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said prior to the inauguration of the both committees, his ministry had collaborated with the Taraba state government in order to have the smooth take off of the project.
He said: “It is worthy to mention that the ministry prior to the inauguration of these two committees has already taken a number of critical steps to ensure the successful take off of the project.
“These include effective collaboration with Taraba state government, commencement of the sensitization of the host communities in seven local government of Taraba state; engagement of land surveyors to demarcate the project areas and commence enumeration’’.
Mamman said the federal government and Taraba state government had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the project, adding that the state government is expected to address a press conference today (Tuesday) in Abuja to express its full support for the project.
He, however, called on the members of the two committees to justify the confidence reposed in them and work diligently for the take off of the project in earnest.
Also, the Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jedy Agba, also tasked the members of the two committees to work assiduously for the early take off and completion of the project.
In his acceptance speech, the leader of the project delivery committee, Engineer Faruk Yusuf Yabo, who said he was aware of the enormous task ahead of them, assured that his committee would deliver the project on time.
The committee’s terms of reference include: to facilitate effective stakeholder engagement and management both federal and state levels with a view to promoting synergy and resolution of all challenges that may hinder the project development.
