The Bayelsa State Government, approved the procurement of 60-megawatt gas turbines to improve electricity supply across the state.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah, announced that the approval was granted during the 151st State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House in Yenagoa on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyal, and Commissioner for Power, Engr. Kharin Komuko, emphasized that the initiative aims to ensure a stable power supply and prevent a recurrence of prolonged blackouts, such as the one recently caused by vandalism.
Komuko disclosed that the procurement process for the turbines was over 70% complete, with installation expected to be finalized before the end of the year.
“The Executive Council has approved the purchase of gas turbines with a combined capacity of 60 megawatts to serve Yenagoa and its environs,” Komuko stated.
Koku-Obiyal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving electricity access for residents.
“Approval has been expressly given for the purchase of the turbines, meaning that, hopefully, before the end of this year, Bayelsans will enjoy uninterrupted power supply,” she said.
“This is a significant step forward for us as a state, as it will boost the local economy and attract more investors,” she added.
In addition to the power initiative, the State Executive Council approved measures to mitigate the impact of rising transport costs.
Koku-Obiyal revealed that the government would deploy state-owned luxury buses to transport commuters to the new Igbogene transport terminal at subsidized rates.
Similarly, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Preye Brodrick, announced that the council had approved the construction of bus stops at key locations in line with the government’s urban renewal agenda.
