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July, 2015 News
VRA Board Monitors Progress on Two Projects
The Kpong Generating Station Retrofit Project which is estimated at 42 Million Euros is likely to increase by an estimated 16.5 Million Euros as a result of additional works required which was not part of the original scope of work.
Work on the first unit (Unit 2), is about 52% complete, however, it is estimated that an additional 4.4 Million Euros will be required to complete work on it due to cracks that were identified on the discharge ring and intake roller gates after dismantling, which require additional works outside the original scope of work.
This was divulged by the VRA Lead Mechanical Engineer on the Retrofit Project, Ing Korsi McCarthy when Board Members of the Volta River Authority (VRA) accompanied by the Chief Executive (C.E.) Ing Kirk Koffi paid a day’s monitoring visit to the Kpong Generating Station to gain update on the status of work on the project.
The Board Members were informed that refurbishment and installation works are currently on-going on the Turbine, Generator, Intake gates and Electrical Protection Systems (EPS) on the unit to ensure that the remaining 48% work is completed for commissioning by February 2016.
Ing Korsi McCarthy explained that the only way to avoid the changes in the cost of work outside the initial scope was to have completely shut down the units for thorough inspection prior to awarding the contract. However due to the energy demand situation at the time, the Authority could not afford to do so.
The Resident Manager from Hatch Consult, Mr. Tim Dean led the Board Members and the C.E. to visit various sections where the retrofit project is being carried out. He confirmed that the additional works to be done outside the initial scope of work was as a result of extensive cavitation and pitting which affected the discharge ring and intake roller gates.
Prior to their visit to Akuse, the Board also visited the Kpone Thermal Power Project Site where commissioning tests are being carried out to ensure that additional 220 Megawatts of power is injected into the national grid.
The Project Manager, Ing. Francis Agbenyo disclosed that the initial challenges especially those bordering on Finance which was causing some delay in the execution of the project have been tackled.
He assured the Board that work is on course and they were hopeful to meet their new deadlines.
VRA Board Members and Executives being briefed on the status of the retrofit exercise at the Kpong Generating Station
In other news (July, 2015)
- VRA Ladies Association (Accra Branch) organizes health walk.
- VRA donates books to Natriku Roman Catholic School.
- Aboadze International School holds maiden Graduation.
- Chinese Ambassador calls on Chief Executive.
- Akosombo International School: 2015 Summer School/Camp.
- Akosombo International School: 42nd Speech and Prize-Giving Day.
