GOVERNOR DICKSON FINALISES ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW TURBINE

Bayelsa State Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson, has finalized arrangements with Independent Power Energy Limited of America and their financiers, Deutsch Bank of Germany to commence work on a new 100 mega watts gas turbine at Imiringi, while plans are on to upgrade the existing one with 114-mega watts at the station.

The generated energy from the new gas turbine, to be completed in one year will add to the existing one, totaling 214 mega watts, and would boost electricity supply to meet the power needs of the State.

The new power plant project is to be executed under Private Public Partnership agreement between the American company and the State Government which will sell the electricity to the national grid, thereby generating income for the state and the investing company one year after commissioning.

The project is in line with Governor Dickson's promise, to develop critical infrastructure that will create the enabling environment for foreign and local investments to thrive in the state.

To honour its part of the agreement, the Independent Power Plant Energy Limited, has assured that, it would deliver the new turbine with the latest technology, within stipulated time.

The president of the company, Ian Duff, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen at Bayelsa House, Abuja shortly after concluding arrangements for the take off of the new power plant project, in a meeting between his company, Governor Henry Seriake Dickson and some members of the State Executive Council.

Mr. Duff, said standards would not be compromised, stressing that the company, was ready to build a first class independent gas power plant, that will be comparable to anyone in the world.

He disclosed plans by the company to employ Nigerians and Bayelsans, who will also be trained in the latest technical skills of gas turbine operation and maintenance.

As part of the company's social responsibility, Duff said, a clinic will also be set up to take care of the health needs of workers and indigenes of the host communities.

Also present at the meeting were Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Francis Ikio, Commissioner for trade and Investments, Hon. Ayakeme Masa, Commissioner for Special Projects, Hon. Fred Obua, Commissioner for works, Hon. Lawrence Ewhrudiakpo, and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Investments, Mr. Cyril Akika.