*Says State Electricity Law Game-Changer
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has assured people of the state of more developmental projects in his second term in office, which commences on February 14.
Governor Diri made the pledge in his New Year message aired on Yenagoa-based radio stations on Monday.
Re-affirming his unwavering commitment towards the overall development of the state, Senator Diri expressed appreciation to the people for their support during the outgone year and in his first tenure.
He said going forward, his administration will actively engage communities irrespective of political choices in order to achieve collective aspirations.
Recounting some of the achievements in various sectors such as education, health, human capital development, Infrastructure, security among others, Diri promised not to rest on his laurels.
He stated that as captured in the state’s 2024 budget, the government will construct an ultra-modern stadium, a renal center at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri as well as an administrative block for the Primary Healthcare Board.
Diri expressed delight that his administration’s effort to jumpstart the state’s industrialisation had taken a giant leap with his recent assent to the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2023, saying it promises to be a game-changer for power supply in the state.
While appreciating the House of Assembly’s role in the new law and the entire budget, he said under the electricity law, licences would be issued to private investors, collaboration with existing franchises would be enhanced to expand electricity access in underserved areas and it would also reinforce penalties for non-compliance.
Diri also stated that with collective effort and the unwavering support of people of the state, Bayelsa will make remarkable progress in the New Year with focus on sustaining the progress so far achieved while embarking on new initiatives to move the state to greater heights.
The governor stressed the need for unity irrespective of political leanings, noting that so much can be achieved when the people are united.
He said: “As we step into the year 2024, I assure you of my unwavering commitment to the overall development and well-being of every citizen of Bayelsa State. Our focus will remain on sustaining the achieved progress while embarking on new initiatives that will further elevate our state to greater heights.
“You have my assurance that we will not disappoint you nor renege on my pledge to work towards a prosperous Bayelsa State that mirrors the hopes and aspirations of our founding fathers.
“Our move towards industrialising the state has taken a giant leap with my assent to the Bayelsa State Electricity Law 2023. This promises to be a game-changer for our power supply, with critical implications for our industrialisation programme. Bayelsa State used to generate and distribute its own electricity until 2006. However, national regulations prevented the state from commercializing this sector. Recent constitutional amendments and the Electricity Act, 2023, now empower states to commercialise and establish market regulations.
“The State Electricity Law has thus been introduced to create a regulatory framework that addresses barriers hindering the efficient operation of the State Electricity Market System. The law aims to issue licenses to private investors, collaborate with existing franchises to expand electricity access in underserved areas, and enforce penalties for non-compliance.”