The House of Representatives has issued a pressing directive to the Transmission Company of Nigeria to address the ongoing power outage in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State, as electricity supply continues to dwindle.
The decision was made following the approval of a motion titled, “Urgent Action Needed to Restore Power Transmission in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State,” put forth by Obuku Oforji, the representative of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
During a session on Wednesday, Oforji highlighted the devastating impact of a fire incident on September 23, 2023, which destroyed the 132/33KV transmission sub-station responsible for supplying power to Yenagoa and its surrounding areas. As a result, the city has been plunged into darkness, relying solely on a single feeder to distribute electricity to five different areas.
Oforji emphasized the precarious situation, warning that the existing feeder is on the verge of collapse if immediate action is not taken. Recognizing the efforts of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company in providing temporary solutions to prevent a complete breakdown of the system, the House, under the leadership of Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, urged the TCN to intervene promptly to avert a total power failure in Yenagoa.
In a bid to ensure compliance with the resolution, the House also tasked the Committee on Power to oversee the implementation of the necessary measures.
The situation in Yenagoa underscores the critical need for swift and effective intervention to restore power supply and prevent further disruptions in the region. The timely response from the authorities is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by the residents of Yenagoa and ensuring the stability of the power distribution network in the area.