APGA Governorship Hopeful Mienye Slams Bayelsa IPP's Slow Launch

Dr Domor Mienye, a governorship aspirant in Bayelsa State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), is advocating for a more structured approach to infrastructure delivery due to delays in the 60 megawatt gas turbine project, which was recently commissioned in the state.

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The gas-fired turbine, inaugurated earlier this month, has yet to supply electricity to Yenagoa and its environs, with the state government citing ongoing installation of critical safety and protective systems as the reason for the delay.

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Mienye emphasized that while safety and long-term sustainability are crucial, infrastructure projects, particularly in the power sector, must be delivered in a way that ensures immediate functionality after commissioning, highlighting the need for a systems-based approach to infrastructure development.

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As a data scientist and artificial intelligence expert, Mienye stressed that power generation alone is insufficient without proper integration with distribution systems, operational testing, and maintenance planning, underscoring the importance of a holistic approach to infrastructure development.

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According to Mienye, the situation underscores a broader challenge in public sector project execution, where the focus is often on commissioning rather than operational readiness, resulting in delays and inefficiencies.

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Mienye noted that electricity is fundamental to economic activity, livelihoods, and the overall productivity of a state, and that people expect results, not extended delays, when a power project is commissioned, emphasizing the need for functionality over symbolic gestures.

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He argued that infrastructure delivery must move beyond visibility to functionality, and that commissioning should not be the primary milestone, but rather the project's actual performance and value delivery to the people, highlighting the importance of an end-to-end execution model.

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Mienye emphasized the need for transparency, with the public informed about the project's progress, timelines, and expected outcomes, to build trust and accountability, and ensure that projects are fully operational and sustainable.

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He stated that Bayelsa cannot industrialize without power, and that projects like the gas turbine must be fully operational and sustainable to drive real development, rather than just being completed, highlighting the need for a results-driven approach to infrastructure delivery.

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Mienye clarified that his comments are aimed at improving project delivery to meet the expectations of the people and support long-term growth, rather than mere criticism, emphasizing the importance of effective project execution in driving economic development.