The Bayelsa State Executive Council has approved the purchase of 60 megawatts of gas turbines to boost the state’s electricity supply.
The state cabinet approved it during Wednesday’s 151st meeting in Government House, Yenagoa.
After the meeting, the commissioner for information, orientation, and strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, and her Ministry of Power counterpart, Engr. Kharin Komuko briefed the press. They said the project would ensure a constant power supply and prevent a repeat of the recent long period of power outages the state was plunged into by vandals.
According to the power commissioner, the arrangement for purchasing the gas turbine was over 70 percent concluded, and the installation would be completed before the end of this year.
He said the frequent incidents of vandalism of power facilities was a sabotage.
“Exco approved the purchase of gas turbines with a combined capacity of 60 megawatts that will serve Yenagoa and environs”, Komuko said.
His Information Commissioner counterpart added: “Approval was given expressly for purchasing the turbines. That is to say, hopefully, before the end of this year, Bayelsans will begin to enjoy an uninterrupted power supply.
“I believe this is good for us as a state as it will boost our economy and attract more investors.”
She further disclosed that the council approved using state-owned luxury buses to convey commuters to the new transport terminal at Igbogene at a reduced fare to cushion the effect of commercial transporters’ hike in fares.
Also, the commissioner for transport, Preye Brodrick, revealed that the council approved the building of bus stops in designated areas as part of the administration’s urban renewal drive.
Brodrick, who stated that there was noticeable sanity on the roads in the state capital due to the relocation of private commercial transporters to the new terminal, appealed to commuters and Bayelsans to support and patronise the terminal despite the challenges.
