15 years after, FG to complete 215MW Kaduna power plant construction
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Federal Government will ensure the timely completion of the 215 megawatts Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO)/Gas Fired Power Plant in Kaduna.
The project, which is located in Kaduna, and features eight turbines with a combined capacity of 215 megawatts, was awarded in 2009 at an estimated cost of $225 million to General Electric and Rockson Engineering.
However, the project, which was expected to have been concluded on December 31, 2013, had faced numerous delays and hurdles over the years.
Speaking during an inspection visit to the project site Tuesday, Adelabu expressed optimism about the project’s completion, which currently stands at approximately 87 per cent completion.
He emphasized the importance of this visit to ascertain the status of the equipment, engage with contractors and consultants, and outline the ministry’s role in ensuring the project’s completion.
To this end, the Minister, who pledged the commitment of the government to the completion of the project, disclosed that it would be connected to the national grid.
Addressing questions about the financial aspects, Adelabu acknowledged ongoing discussions about the approval of a letter of credit.
He said: “Well, we had to first view the status of this very important project to address, and in general, it is a 215 megawatts LPFO/gas-fired power plant, which is presently at about 87% completion. The project has been on the ground and has some difficulties which we recently resolved. The project is back and the contractors are back on site.”
On the financial challenges, he said: “Yes, there is a discussion on that. And that’s one of the roles that the ministry has to play. And we need to sit down with contractors to have an agreement with them on the completion date, and whatever we need to do to make them realize this from the competition pledge, we have to do it so far is all within legal limits”.
