The Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson yesterday announced that his administration has released the sum of N4billion for the power sector in the last one year to tackle low voltage and completion of rural electrification projects across the state.

According to the governor, who spoke in Yenagoa through the state commissioner for energy, Mr. Francis Ikio , investments in the power sector became imperative in view of its relevance to the economic growth of the state.

The power sector, according to the governor, plays a significance role in any growing economy, which was why the present administration is leaving no stone unturned at ensuring that all the rural areas become beneficiaries of its electrification projects.

He revealed that no fewer than 23 projects have been awarded which include rehabilitation, reticulation of networks and extension of electricity across several communities in the state, adding that, 10 communities in Sagbama Local Government Area are beneficiaries of the rural electricity scheme.

He added that government is making efforts at refurbishing the 20 megawatts capacity power plant at Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area which is currently generating five megawatts to generate up to 15megawatts.

The governor explained that the ministry recently installed 80 units of 300 KVA electricity transformers in Yenogoa and its environs to end cases of low voltage supply being experienced in the area.

According to him, the energy ministry is currently supervising the 23 ongoing electricity projects to ensure that set standards and timelines were achieved by the contractors.