MainPower Begins N3.5bn DISREP Network Rehabilitation, Upgrade in Enugu

The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has commenced a ₦3.5 billion electricity network rehabilitation and upgrade programme across parts of Enugu State under the Federal Government’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), supported by the World Bank.

The intervention is aimed at improving the quality and reliability of electricity supply, reducing technical and commercial losses, strengthening network capacity and supporting industrial and commercial activities across the state.

Managing Director of MainPower, Dr Ernest Mapwaya, who disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Thursday, said the first phase of the project would focus on critical infrastructure around the 9th Mile and Oji River power corridors.

According to him, the works would cover the rehabilitation and upgrading of the 9th Mile Injection Substation, 9th Mile Industrial Feeder and Coca-Cola 33kV Feeder.

He added that the project would also involve the installation of seven new 500kVA, 11/0.415kV distribution transformers, rehabilitation of 10 existing 500kVA transformers and provision of 11kV switchgear to enhance system protection, control and operational flexibility.

Mapwaya said the works were expected to be completed within five weeks, noting that contractors would work daily, including weekends, to meet the deadline.

A major component of the intervention, he explained, is the upgrade of the approximately 28-kilometre Coca-Cola 33kV line linking the Oji River Transmission Station to the 9th Mile Injection Substation.

He said the existing 50mm² aluminium conductor single circuit would be replaced with a 150mm² Aluminium Conductor Steel Reinforced (ACSR) double circuit.

The upgraded line, he said, would have a combined design thermal transfer capability of up to 36MW, subject to prevailing system conditions, voltage regulation and other operational requirements.

Mapwaya said the additional capacity would strengthen electricity supply to the 9th Mile industrial axis and support existing and prospective industrial customers.

He listed beneficiaries of the intervention to include Sapphire, 7-Up, Honest Material, Coca-Cola, Wisdo, Enugu Water Works and other customers supplied through the 11kV industrial feeder.

According to him, the project would also reduce pressure on the Kingsway 2 Line, which serves Ogui and the Hilltop axis, thereby improving network flexibility and reliability in those areas.

9th Mile corridor gets major upgrade

On the 9th Mile Power Corridor, the MainPower boss said the existing undersized 70mm² aluminium conductor on the 9th Mile 11kV industrial feeder would be replaced with a 150mm² aluminium conductor from the injection substation.

He explained that the upgrade would address existing capacity constraints, reduce technical losses, improve voltage profiles and create additional capacity to meet rising industrial and commercial demand.

Upon completion, he said, electricity supply would significantly improve across Udi and Ezeagu Local Government Areas, particularly around the 9th Mile industrial hub, Free Trade Zone, Ezeagu industrial cluster, Abor, Ajali and surrounding communities.

Mapwaya said the rehabilitation programme was part of MainPower’s broader commitment to strengthening electricity infrastructure in Enugu State and providing the capacity required to support industrial growth, business expansion and improved socioeconomic activity.

Customers to experience temporary outages

He, however, disclosed that customers within the affected areas would experience scheduled power outages during the five-week construction period to enable contractors safely carry out the rehabilitation works.

“The outages will generally take place between 8a.m. and 2p.m., during which electricity supply to affected customers will be temporarily interrupted,” he said.

Mapwaya appealed to industrial, commercial and residential customers to bear with the temporary disruptions, stressing that the outages were necessary to ensure the projects were executed safely and completed within the scheduled timeframe.

He further disclosed that the rehabilitation would require the clearance of structures and commercial activities encroaching on statutory powerline rights-of-way.

He warned residents and businesses against erecting structures or carrying out activities within powerline corridors, noting that such encroachments posed serious risks to lives and could hinder maintenance and safe operation of electricity infrastructure.

“Customers and members of the public are advised not to erect structures, operate businesses or undertake any activity within powerline rights-of-way.

“These corridors must remain clear to protect lives, facilitate maintenance and ensure the safe operation of electricity infrastructure,” he said.

The MainPower managing director also appealed to communities within the project corridors to protect the newly installed electrical infrastructure and cooperate with contractors to ensure the projects are delivered as scheduled.