The Bayelsa State government has announced that parts of Yenagoa will regain electricity within 48 hours, following repairs to vandalized transmission infrastructure.
The development comes as businesses in the state have been severely affected by a four-month power outage.
The Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, confirmed during a press briefing on Monday that 19 transmission towers and over 250 transformers had been vandalized, plunging the state into darkness since late July.
Mrs. Koku-Obiyai explained that the damaged transmission towers, owned by the federal government, were repaired using state resources to alleviate the hardship faced by residents and businesses.
“We are pleased to inform you that the repairs have been completed, and parts of Yenagoa will receive electricity this week. However, due to the extent of vandalism, not all areas will have immediate access to power,” she said.
To combat future incidents, she announced plans to establish a task force to identify and prosecute vandals. The task force will also inspect shops and markets to prevent the sale of stolen armoured cables.
The Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Electricity Company Limited, Engr. Olice Kemenanabo, stated that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) had restored power to Ahoada and was working on reconnecting Bayelsa State through Mbiama.
The Regional Manager of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) in Bayelsa, Engr. Lawrence Emeyi, commended the state government for funding the repair of the transmission towers.
He assured the public that PHED was prepared to resume power distribution and support businesses in the state.
The blackout has taken a toll on local businesses, many of which rely on a steady power supply to operate.
Entrepreneurs have expressed hope that the restoration of electricity will revive economic activities and reduce the high cost of running generators.
Bayelsa residents have been urged to protect public infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of the restored power supply.