From Mgbo Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Mrs. Koku Ebiowou Obiyai, has urged residents to remain patient as the government addresses the ongoing electricity outage affecting the state.
This appeal came during a transparency briefing for the month of August and September 2024, held at the Treasury Building in Yenagoa.
Recall that the state has been without power since July 29, 2024, following the vandalization of 18 transmission towers that supply electricity from Rivers State. Mrs. Obiyai recently inspected repair progress at Okobe in Rivers, emphasizing the need for proper restoration of the damaged towers to restore power.
She highlighted the collaboration between the Federal Government, Rivers State, and Bayelsa in this effort.
In addition to addressing power issues, Mrs. Obiyai announced that the state government is preparing to implement a new minimum wage, with increased salaries for workers expected soon.
During the briefing, Mr. Timipre Seipulo, Technical Adviser on Treasury and Finance, provided an overview of the state’s finances, revealing that Bayelsa received N150.5 billion in August and N135.44 billion in September 2024.
Despite receiving substantial funds, Seipulo noted that financial demands for ongoing projects are immense, with total expenditures for these months reaching N139.4 billion.
He assured that a significant portion of these funds is directed toward large-scale capital projects, particularly road infrastructure.
Seipulo emphasized the importance of transparency briefings for public accountability, stating they are essential for keeping citizens informed about the state’s financial status and ongoing projects.
He reiterated that many projects require long-term investments and that the government is committed to completing as many as possible before the end of its administration.
The prolonged power outage has severely impacted local businesses and economic activities in Bayelsa, with many small enterprises struggling amid rising operational costs due to high fuel prices.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has promised to complete repairs within six weeks, urging residents to remain hopeful as efforts continue to restore electricity.
As discussions between Bayelsa and Rivers State officials progress, there is a collective push to enhance security around transmission facilities to prevent future vandalism.
The state government remains committed to collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure a stable power supply for its citizens moving forward.
