Yemisi Izuora
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) Project Management Unit has engaged an Australian professional services firm, SMEC, to carry out consultancy services for the preparation of an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment for four electrical substations located in Nigeria.
Managing a team of local experts, SMEC will assist design engineers with the incorporation of environmentally sustainable design elements.
Project objectives will include: minimising potential environmental and social impacts; ensuring designs meet World Bank sustainability requirements; completing baseline environmental and socioeconomic surveys; undertaking impact assessments; hosting stakeholder consultations.
Other objectives include, preparing planning approval documentation; and developing detailed environmental and social management plans.
Under the Nigerian government’s plans to expand the national power generation and distribution system, the four new substations will be sited at New Kano (Kano), Biliri (Gombe), Kabba (Kogi) and Abor (9th Mile, Enugu).
Specialising in major infrastructure projects, SMEC boasts over 5,400 employees and an established network of more than 75 offices throughout Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and North and South America.
Founded 40 years ago, SMEC operates through six industry sectors: transport; hydropower & energy; water & environment; urban & social development; resources (mining, oil & gas); and industrial and manufacturing.
Its core environmental services are listed as: identifying and managing environmental impacts, risks and liabilities; obtaining permits or licenses for all project phases; managing environmental data within GIS; ecology services; environmental planning and permit procedures; monitoring and management; and assessing and reporting on compliance with legislation, conditions of permits and licenses.