From Femi Folaranmi, Yemagoa
Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has assured that his administration will focus on the provision of potable water in the state capital and environs upon completion of the independent power plant project by the end of this year.
He also said the state would soon take delivery of the 60MW twin gas-powered turbines procured by the government as work on the installation site at Elebele was near completion.
He stated this on Wednesday while addressing a large crowd at the King Koko Square in Nembe, headquarters of the Nembe Local Government Area, in continuation of his ‘Thank-You Tour’ of the eight councils in the state.
“On the issue of power, there is good news. As you are aware, your state government has procured an independent power plant and very soon, we will no longer depend on the existing power supply arrangement. We will soon take delivery of the 60-megawatt gas turbines and the site for the installation is almost completed.
“We are rich in gas and by the end of this year, the problem of power supply will be a thing of the past in this state. It is expected to cover Yenagoa, Nembe, Ogbia, Kolokuma/Opokuma, Sagbama and parts of the Ekeremor Local Government Area.
“Once we are through with the power issue, we will ensure that water is made available in Yenagoa, Nembe and in most of our local government areas.”
On the request for construction of the Igbeta-Ewoama-Okoroba Road, the governor explained that the administration was beginning to face constraints of time but that it will partner federal agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission and the South-South Development Commission on this and other road projects connecting communities to the state capital.
Diri appreciated the people of Nembe for their support in re-electing him and his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in the 2023 governorship poll, which he noted enabled his administration to provide impactful leadership.
Upon arrival, he visited the palace of the Mingi XIII, Amanyanabo of Nembe Kingdom, King Edmund Daukoru, where he thanked the royal father for his support and blessings during the 2023 poll.
King Daukoru thanked Diri for the visit and the construction of the Nembe-Brass Road.