… Shuts Kolo Gas Turbine For Repairs

The Bayelsa Govern ment has shut down the Kolo Creek Gas Turbine at Imiringi in Ogbia Local Government Area for its repairs.

The state Commissioner for Energy, Mr Francis Ikio, said  in Yenagoa on Wednesday that the measure became necessary because the turbine was in ‘a state of disrepair. ’

Ikio called for understanding of electricity consumers in the state that were affected by the closure of the turbine.

He said government was aware of the inconveniences the decision might cause the people, saying government sympathised with them.

Ikio said that the 20 megawatt Rolls Royce turbine was generating only four megawatt as at the time the present administration came to power.

He said the continuous running of the machines without repairs would result in an irreparable breakdown, hence the decision to shut it down to allow for overall maintenance.

Ikio further explained that major repair would soon be carried out on the machine to bring it back on stream.

The Kolo Creek gas turbine was purchased by the Melford Okilo administration in the early 80s.