By Idibhar Julius, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa Electricity Distribution Company Limited (BEDC) has confirmed that the 60 Megawatts Gas Turbine project is 85 percent completion.
The company’s Director of Operations, Engr. Steve Bubagha Jr. disclosed this on a media tour of the project at Elebele Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
According to him, the company is making significant progress on the installation of a gas turbine and currently locating the turbines and expects to complete the installation soon.
He stated that once the installation is completed, the next stage will be pre-commissioning, adding that Governor Douye Diri has been publicly discussing the project’s timeline.
He noted that the company is almost done with the electrical connections in town, with the reticulation of the 33KVA network about 90% complete.
He said:” After the installation.and the balancing of turbine we have been able to achieve and we have been able to bring in the turbine so what is left is installation I am trying to give you some background so that you will be able do the mathematics your self compare to when we commence this project we have achieved to this level and what we have is installation only so the level of job done so far is about 85%.
” well the moment installation is completed then the next stage is pre commissioning and I know the Governor has been airing his view in the public and you don’t need to know that from me it is in the public domain.
” We are progressing seriously at this stage we are about locating the turbines properly based on the dimensions that is what we are doing now. We have progressed enormously after that we will start installing the accessories then we will have a full blown turbine ”
The BEDC Director of Operations confirmed that the remaining two components of the turbine are expected to arrive soon, adding that virtually every part of Yenagoa will benefit from the turbine.
On metering, Bubagha assured that Bayelsans will have access to meters, emphasizing the governor’s commitment to ensuring responsible payment for electricity consumption, adding that the installation of meters is crucial to enjoying the facility and that everything will be done to ensure their availability.
Speaking to newsmen at the site of the facility, the Technical Adviser to Bayelsa Governor on Media and Public Affairs, Hon Wisdom Ikuli said the Gas Turbine project is fast becoming a reality, with Governor Douye Diri promising 24-hour uninterrupted electricity in the state before the end of the year.
Ikuli highlighted the project’s potential economic benefits, including attracting businesses and boosting hospitality, leading to improved social life. He thanked the governor, describing him as the “Miracle Governor,” for his efforts in bringing development to the state.
Addressing Misconceptions
Regarding misconceptions on social media that Bayelsa should not pay electricity bills due to its oil-bearing status, Ikuli clarified that electricity is not free anywhere in the country, including the Presidential Villa.
He explained that the gas is bought and transformed into electricity, emphasizing that the cost is minimal compared to diesel and other alternatives.
