21st April, 2011
Governor Chibuike Ameachi of Rivers State has explained that the present drop in electricity supply experienced in Port Harcourt and some parts of the state is as a result of low gas supply to the state-owned Gas Turbine stations.
Speaking on a live Radio phone-in-programme in Port Harcourt today, Governor Amaechi said gas supply to both the 150 Mega-Watts Omoku Power Station, and 130 Mega-Watts Trans Amadi Power plant, had reduced drastically, to the extent that it could only power one turbine in each of the power plants.
He said gas supply to the power plants are outside the control of the state government, and assured that as soon as the situation is normalised, consumers would revert to enjoying normal electricity supply in the state.
Responding to questions from callers, Governor Amaechi said that his decision to seek re-election was prompted by his desire to complete all the projects started by him about three years ago, some of which are in the final stages of completion.
He explained that all the major projects still under construction in the state commenced at a period when the states revenue profile was high, and was getting about N25 billion per month, before the loss of 86 oil wells which reduced the state’s revenue to about N10 billion monthly.
Governor Amaechi also threw more light on the state government’s decision to build many Health Centres across the state, saying it was for the purposes of getting health care facility at the doorstep of citizens, who may be residing far away from a hospital.
Also today, Governor Amaechi had to stop his convoy along Aba road in Port Harcourt, and started controlling traffic to ease the traffic jam which had built up along the busy highway.
Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt