Governor Douye Diri has reiterated government commitment to open its doors to development and investment partners in Bayelsa state.

Governor Diri in bilateral talks with Chinese high-tech company, Clou, and its Nigerian partners, Jumbo Goois Global Services to establish a smart prepaid metering   assembly factory, expressed optimism that the partnership would bring a turning point in power and economy of the state.

Recalling his administration’s recent agreement with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on power consumption, Governor Diri noted that electricity was not free.

He emphasized that the only way twenty-four hour electricity can be sustained is for consumers to pay for their consumption and called on Bayelsans to comply.

Governor Diri frowned on the controversy over estimated billing, which he said over the years had caused friction between consumers and distributors of power.

Earlier, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Jumbo Goois Global Services, Mr. Timipre Ogoibiri, while presenting the company’s plan for the proposed project said it will be international standard.

Head of Operations, Dr. Chris Osazuwa said the specification of the meters were unique and would meet the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission standard.

Dr. Osazuwa said the prepaid meter was designed to function remotely, where a token can recharge the device from any location.

He also stated that the project was capable of engaging one thousand engineering and non-engineering graduates.

While requesting for the state government to provide the enabling environment for the project, Dr. Osazuwa commended Governor Diri for the level of security witnessed in the state.