Survey of Encroachment of the Benin-Ughelli Transmission Line Right of Way
M. A. S. Horsfall
Institute of Natural Resources, Environment and Sustainable Development, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
A. A. Obafemi
Department of Geography, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
A. I. Hart
Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
This study examined the environmental impacts of the 107 km Benin-Delta (Ughelli) 330 kV power transmission line (TL) upgrade project right of way (ROW). Encroachment was determined through ground monitoring and GIS mapping. A total of 83 communities lie within the zone of influence of the transmission line. The communities are 8 in Ethoipe West, 27 in Okpe, 21 in Sapele, 5 in Ughelli North, 1 in Udu, 3 in Uvwie and 18 in Ikpoba Okha. A survey of the communities within the sphere of influence of the TL line revealed that 56 communities had encroached into the transmission line ROW: 5 in Ethoipe West, 9 in Okpe, 15 in Sapele, 5 in Ughelli North, 1 in Udu, 3 in Uvwie and 18 in Ikpoba Okha. The encroachers need to be enlightened on the health implication of building under the TL and the socio-economic consequences that may arise as a result of forceful evacuation from the occupied land. For the upgrade of the TL, encroachers should be persuaded to vacate the route.
Keywords: Encroachment, GIS mapping, communities, transmission line