Piqued by the epileptic power supply in some parts of the state, the Bayelsa State Government has released about N4 billion to the power sector in the last one year, while also vigorously pursuing its rural electrification projects across the state.

Giving an account of his ministry's stewardship under Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration, the state Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Francis Ikio, said investments in the power sector became imperative in view of its relevance to the economic growth of the state.

He stated that the power sector plays a significance role in any growing economy, stressing that this was why government was leaving no stone unturned in ensuring that all the rural areas become beneficiaries of its electrification projects.

While noting that about 23 projects have been awarded including the rehabilitation, reticulation of networks and extension of electricity across several communities in the state, Ikio said 10 communities in Sagbama Local Government Area were beneficiaries of the rural electricity scheme.

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

Ikio 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 those areas.

According to him, the Energy Ministry is currently supervising the 23 ongoing electricity projects across the state to ensure that set standards and timelines were achieved by contractors.

Some of the projects include the rehabilitation and reticulation of the Obunagha-Sagbama 33 KVA Line as well as extension to Ofoni community through Ebederbiri, Bolou Orua, Angiama and Toru-Orua.

Others include the Sagbama 2x7.5 MVA injection sub-station; Agbere-Odoni 1000KVA Gas fired CAT generating station including cabling; upgrading and modification of Angiama sub-station to import and export electricity to communities in Southern-Ijaw local government area among others.

The commissioner added that the ministry was working to ensure the availability of power to keep pace with the development of the State in other critical sectors.