Dickson Proposes Bill To Co-Ordinate Projects

The Governor Bayelsa State Chief Seriake Dickson says he plans to sponsor a bill that will provide a legal framework that seeks to coordinate project execution by multinational oil companies operating in the state.

Governor Dickson disclosed this during a meeting he held with delegation of Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC led by the Managing Director, Mr. Mutiu Sumonu in Government House, Yenagoa.

The Governor said the measure was to enable his administration keep track of projects embarked upon by oil companies and interventionist agencies in order to avoid duplication in projects.

Chief Dickson, who observed that this move would go a long way in mitigating crisis in communities said when the bill is ready, companies and agencies will be expected to make their input with a view to facilitating the over all development of the state.

The State Chief Executive also intimated SPDC of governments plan to unfold a Bayelsa Public Private Partnership initiative (PPI) to enable the present administration pursue and actualise the restoration agenda for the state.

Describing SPDC as a major partner over the years, he solicited the company’s collaboration in a number of areas which include human capital development, employment, health service delivery and the construction of major roads under the proposed PPI arrangement.

Hon. Dickson who commended SPDC for its involvement in the construction of the Ogbia Nembe road project as well as that of Tombia Etegwe, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the way and manner the project was being handled.

According to him, there is the need to re-appraise the Tombia-Etegwe road contract which is being jointly funded by SPDC and the state government to ensure its speedy completion.

He pointed out that SPDC needed to make payment of taxes and levies on their Gbarain/Ubie integrated Gas Gathering plant facility.

Speaking the Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutit Sunmonu requested government’s assistance to enable the company gain unhindered access to 3 of the 24 communities impacted by the pollution to mop up the spill.

Mr. Sunmonu also drew the attention of government to the issue of crude oil theft, which he noted, has resulted to significant production loss, and urged government to look into the problem and proffer solution