Bayelsa okays purchase of 60MW gas turbines to boost power supply

The Bayelsa State Government has approved the purchase of 60-megawatt gas turbines to ensure stable electricity supply in the state.

This was contained in a statement released on Thursday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Daniel Alabrah.

According to Alabrah, the approval was granted during the 151st State Executive Council meeting held at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyal, and the Commissioner for Power, Engr Kharin Komuko, stated that the project aimed to ensure a stable power supply and prevent a recurrence of the prolonged blackout recently caused by vandals.

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Komuko disclosed that the procurement process for the turbines was over 70 percent complete, adding that installation would be concluded 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 said.

On her part, Koku-Obiyal assured residents that the state government was committed to improving electricity supply.

“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 stated.

This, accoring to Koku-Obiyal, “is a significant step forward for us as a state, as it will boost the local economy and attract more investors.”

Meanwhile, the State Executive Council also approved measures to cushion the impact of rising transport fares.

Koku-Obiyal disclosed that the government would deploy state-owned luxury buses to convey commuters to the new transport terminal at Igbogene at a subsidised fare.

Relatedly, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Preye Brodrick, revealed that the council had approved the construction of bus stops at strategic locations in line with the government’s urban renewal plan.