Effasu-Mangyean(WR), Aug. 20, GNA - The Osagyefo Power Barge at Effasu-Mangyean in Jomoro District could produce 600 mega watts of electricity into the national pool more than the 125 mega watts it was originally designed to produce.

Mr Phillip D. Elders, Managing Director of Balkan Energy Company who announced this said however, this would require few engineering works.

He said management of the company would negotiate with Government to import modern equipment that would enhance its capacity. Mr Elders was briefing Mr Felix Owusu Agyepong, Minister for Energy during an inspection on the facility on Tuesday when he toured energy installations in Western Region.

The management of Balkan Energy Company was contracted by Government to test and fire the facility. Mr Elders pointed out that on-going tests had proved that the barge, which was a state-of-the-art machine was in excellent condition. He said with its present state the barge could be upgraded to increase its original capacity of 125 mega watts to 185 mega watts of electricity. The company which has about 220 engineers on the job is currently using aviation fuel, a form of diesel to test-run the barge. Mr Elders said the barge which had excellent control and other systems could be operated on both diesel and gas and capable of maintaining itself.

"We are working hard to fire it and anticipate its smooth operation," he added.

Mr Owusu Agyepong commended workers of the company for their hard work and was optimistic they would complete the assignment on time to enable the country benefit fully from power produced by the barge. At separate meetings with chiefs and people of Mangyean, Effasu and Half-Assini, Mr Owusu Agyepong called for cooperation between the people and management to ensure peace. He advised them to channel all grievances through the appropriate quarters for redress and not resort to violence. Mr Owusu Agyepong advised the youth to improve on their education to enable them gain employment and not be content with menial jobs. He pledged Government's commitment to tackle energy issues to forestall power shortages with their attendant adverse effects. Mr Owusu Agyepong announced that Government would construct mini hydro-electric dams on Pra, Ankobrah and Tano rivers to boost energy supply to enhance development.