The Federal Government has been
urged to take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region by
refunding funds spent on infrastructure in the area.
Former Secretary
to the Bayelsa State Government and Coordinator of the National Think-Tank, Professor
Steve Azaiki, stated this when he accompanied the Rivers State Deputy Governor
on an inspection of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo
Unity Road projects yesterday.
Expressing delight on the pace of
work on the project, Prof. Azaiki, who is also a Visiting Fellow of the Institute
of Petroleum Studies, University of Port Harcourt, said “The Federal Government
should take responsibility for the development of the Niger Delta region and refund
the monies spent on road projects in the area.”
Commending the Rivers State
Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and his deputy, Engr. Tele Ikuru,
for the development initiatives ongoing in the State, Prof. Azaiki, who is also
the country President of the World Environmental Movement for Africa (WEMFA), Nigeria,
urged the people of the State to support the present administration in its
efforts at bringing the dividends of democracy to the people.
“I want to commend the Rivers
State Governor and his deputy for the development initiatives they have
embarked upon. Projects of this nature answer the question of the development
of the Niger Delta region and what the governors in the region are doing with
the allocation given to them” he said and urged the
government to ensure development spreads to the rural areas.
Responding, the Rivers State
Deputy Governor, Engr. Tele Ikuru, reiterated the State Government’s determination
deliver on its promises and uplift the living standards of the people by
completing the project.
Impressed by the present state of
the project in which the Ebukuma Bridge on the Andoni axis is almost completed
while the Opobo axis is within the precincts of Kalaibiama community, the
State Deputy Governor explained that despite challenges faced by the
construction firm, Rivigo JV Nigeria Limited, the road will soon begin to serve
the needs of the Andoni and Opobo communities.
Speaking, the site manager, Mr. Leyira Kamanu,
assured on the quality of the project, saying “the job is being done according
to specifications and the bridges are expected to have a life span of 100
years,” adding that the road spanning 37 kilometers and covering 17 communities
is expected to be completed on or before 2011.
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