YENAGOA, Nigeria – The Managing Director of the Bayelsa Electricity Company Limited, Mr. Olice Kemenanabo, has cited a fatal motor accident near the Opolo area of Yenagoa as the cause of the extended power outage in Yenagoa and its surrounding areas.
The tragic incident occurred approximately one week ago when a vehicle collided with an electric pole, leading to the loss of two lives and substantial damage to several other electric poles. This extensive damage resulted in a disruption of the electricity supply to affected regions, leaving consumers without power and in distress.
Mr. Kemenanabo, who also serves as the Chairman of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company, provided an explanation in a statement released on Tuesday. Expressing regret about the ongoing blackout, he elaborated on the incident’s consequences.
“The current blackout in parts of Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, and its environs is a result of a vehicle that crashed into and damaged several electric poles in the Opolo area of Yenagoa. Two lives were reportedly lost due to the crash,” Kemenanabo stated.
“The effect of the accident was a fault that cascaded into the 132/33kV Transmission Substation at Gbarain, with a heavy bang that caused an inferno and gutted the 33kv feeder switchgear, the protection and control systems, and other sensitive electrical equipment. This huge damage has thrown the state into darkness, which is highly regrettable.”
Kemenanabo clarified that the damaged transmission substation fell outside the state’s jurisdiction. Nevertheless, Governor Douye Diri has directed the State Ministry of Power and the management of BECL to collaborate with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to swiftly assess the situation and expedite power restoration.
He reassured residents that the state government was working in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Power, TCN, and other concerned organizations to reinstate power supply to the affected areas. Kemenanabo also urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as there is a risk of vandals taking advantage of the situation.
“We shall continue to regularly update the state as we progress until power is fully restored,” concluded Kemenanabo, offering hope for a swift resolution to the power outage crisis.