Bayelsa Plans New Yenagoa City

The Bayelsa Commissioner for State Capital Development, Mr Zuwa Konugha, said on Thursday that the state government would soon commence the process of establishing Yenagoa City.

Konugha disclosed this when members of the executive council of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Bayelsa Chapter, visited him in his office.

The commissioner said that the project, which would involve providing roads and gutters, would start with less developed areas.

According to him, the developed areas will undergo the process of urban renewal.

He called on the people of the state to always employ the services of professionals in the construction of their houses.

Konugha expressed concern over the construction of structures without the required spacing, outlets and proper ventilation.

He also appealed to the people to co-operate with the government to ensure the success of the proposed project.

The commissioner stressed the need for closer partnership between the institute and the government, especially in the areas of organising programmes to educate the people.

He said that the call became imperative due to the importance attached to the planning of the city, adding that government alone could execute the project without adequate enlightenment of the people.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Chapter, Mr Obunonyun Yousuo, commended Gov Seriake Dickson for creating the ministry.

Yousuo said that the purpose of the visit was to solicit partnership with the ministry to ensure a well-planned and befitting state capital.

He appealed to the commissioner to create a department of planning for architects, whom he described as master-builders, to enable them to make input in the design of the master plan.