The recent vandalism of the Owerri-Ahoada-Yenagoa 132KV Double Circuit Transmission Lines by suspected criminals has left Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, and its surrounding areas in complete darkness.
The state government, through the Managing Director of the State Electricity Company, Engineer Olice Kemenanabo, confirmed the incident and announced that the power supply may not be restored for at least a month.
This, according to him, is because of the severity of the destruction of the power lines and the process of getting them to work at full capacity again.
Kemenanabo made this known while conducting journalists on an on-the-spot assessment of the affected transmission lines in Igbogene. He said the extensive damage caused by the vandals will take "approximately four to five weeks for the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to complete the necessary repairs and restore power to Bayelsa state."
While confirming that some arrests have been made, he reiterated that the state government is committed to expediting the repair process, which he said will involve the dismantling of the damaged towers, procurement of replacement parts, and the gradual rebuilding of the structures from the base to the top by the transmission company.
The development has further worsened the situation of the people who have been battling to survive the affliction brought on them by the removal of fuel subsidy. The sudden loss of power has exacerbated economic hardship for residents, disrupted daily life, and even crippled a lot of businesses. It is that bad says Madam Rhoda Opukiri, who owns a restaurant along Azikoro Road in Yenagoa.
"Since most businesses depend on power, the owners now run their power plants and generators in order to remain afloat. The resultant effect is the increase in prices of goods and services. Like me, I was selling a plate of food for N2,000, but now I have to jerk it up to N3,000. It is not my fault. Everything in the market is very expensive. Transportation too, "she said.
A barber along Otiotio Road, Mike Olotu, corroborated Opukiri's claims. He said he buys fuel at the cost of N900 and, as a result, was forced to increase his charge fees to N2,000 from N1,000 to remain in business and still make some profit.
He said: "If I buy fuel ten litters for N9,000, you don't expect me to still charge N1,000. No way! Before children were N500 and adults N1,000, but now I charge N1,000 for children and adults N2,000. This is the only way if not this shop would have been closed. Don't forget that I also pay rent.
"So, it is not easy at all. We're just trying to survive. I don't know if Bayelsa is even worse. This light issue is really affecting us. I pray that God will continue to help us in this state. It is well with us. "
A civil servant who pleaded anonymity said her ministry is in total darkness and has grounded official activities. According to her, her boss, the Commissioner in the ministry, now prefers to work from home, leaving most of the officials with no choice but to do the same until power is restored.
The owner of a popular hotel in Yenagoa told our correspondent that the hospitality business seems to be the worst hit. While lamenting on how much he spends on diesel daily, he said, "We are going through tough times. The situation can force a lot of businesses to close because there is a huge loss of revenue. I know how much I am now spending to install solar as an alternative power supply to run this place. "
Our correspondent observed that there is a 50% increment in transport fare, as the shortest distance on a tricycle is now between N150 and N200, depending on the driver's disposition and the appeal by the passenger.
However, the government is optimistic that the situation is only a temporary setback as efforts are on to provide a stable power supply within the shortest time. This is hinged on the gas sales agreement with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), which is likely to be ready soon.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Daniel Alabrah, at a social media forum, said a lot is happening on the issue of power generation and distribution and provision of smart prepaid meters to Bayelsans.
He said: "The tripartite power purchase agreement/arrangement between Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, Bayelsa Electricity Company Ltd (PHEDC) ) and the Bayelsa Multiverse Power Project Ltd is also on course while the state government has received the nod from the appropriate federal government authorities on the project.
"In the dueness of time, many mouths will be shut and heads bowed. What I assure those who believe in the government and the project is that the 71mw gas turbines at Imiringi will be rehabilitated and at least 150,000 prepaid meters also installed within a year in conformity with the ongoing National Mass Metering Scheme.
"Interestingly, the prepaid meters will be assembled in Bayelsa and provide jobs for our people", Alabrah added.
