Traditional Rulers Back FG On Road Construction

Traditional rulers from the South-South zone say they will complement the efforts of the Federal Government in providing good road network in the region.

They made the pledge last Thursday when a delegation of the traditional rulers paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Work, Mr Mike Onolememen in Abuja.

The delegation comprised King Edmund Dakoru of Nembe (Bayelsa); King Dandison Douglas Jaja Jeki V, the Amanyanabo of Opobo kingdom (Rivers); and Alhaji Aliyu Danesi, Oba Idanesi II of Adonogie (Edo).

Dakoru, who spoke on behalf of delegation, promised that the traditional rulers would ensure that problems faced by contractors, who have to abandon work due to communal clashes, would be resolved with dispatch to encourage more development.

He said the south-south, with its economic value, needed more viable roads because “roads play major role in the economic transformation of the area’’.

Dakoru commended the ministry for the projects so far embarked upon in the region and pledged more support by the communities.

On his part, Danesi thanked the government for approving some projects for the zone.

He said the approval for the construction of new bridges on the Auchi-Ikare road would bring great relief to the people of the area.

Danesi recalled that the two bridges were approved for rehabilitation in 1999 but later abandoned.

Also speaking, Douglas commended the minister for the speedy completion of projects in the zone in spite of the topography of the area.

In his remarks, Onolememen said the ministry was working in line with the President’s transformation agenda, adding that projects were accorded priority based on their economic importance.

He noted that the East-West roads were major links to the South and South East zones and gave assurance that most abandoned projects would be completed this year.

The minister said that some of the South and South East roads, which were initially owned by the Federal Government, had now been transferred to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.