Rivers Targets Improved IGR

Rivers State Governor, Rt Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, says the quest of his administration is to boost internally generated revenue, promote transparency and accountability in government.

He made the assertion last Thursday at the Open Governance Forum organised by the state Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.

Against this backdrop, he promised that his administration would continue to drive the internal revenue base up to a level that the state would become economically viable, drive development without recourse to allocations.

Meanwhile, the state has expended about N380 billion on infrastructure development from a total of N584 billion target on projects ranging from roads, bridges and shore protection.

State Commissioner for Works, Chief Victor Giadom gave the figures last Thursday in Port Harcourt , stating that over 112 projects had been delivered in different parts of the state.

With over five bridges constructed, he promised that very soon Ada-Ada George, Nkpogu and Okporo Roads would be delivered before the end of the year.

On Agriculture, the Commissioner for Agriculture,  Hon. Emma Chinda disclosed that the state fish farm projects sited in Buguma, Ubima,Andoni, Opobo would raise the state fish production to 5,000 tons a year.

Around the Ogoni axis, he said, the state planned to develop a 10,000 ton palm estate to support the Risonpalm which has currently employed over 5,000 people since it was privatised.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mrs. Ibim Semenitari said the forum was organised to strengthen and deepen the town hall meetings by the governor.