Bayelsa Pays Contractors N84bn

The Bayelsa State Gov
ernment says it has disbursed N84 billion out of the contract sum of about N242 billion to indigenous and foreign contractors handling roads and other infrastructural projects across the state in the last twenty-eight months.
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor,  who made this known during a median ministerial press briefing held at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Yenagoa, said  the disbursement was in line with the transparency and accountability stance of the present administration.
Flanked by the State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Deacon Markson Fefegha, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief Fred Agbedi and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Daniel Iworiso Markson, the commissioner disclosed that the opening up of the state through road construction would attract investments as well as boost the internally generated revenue (IGR) profile of the state.
According to him, the completion of the Agge seaport, the cargo airport and the three senatorial roads will reduce the dependency attitude of the people on the government, as many jobs will be created.
Reiterating the commitment of the present administration to infrastructural development, Mr. Ewhrudjakpor stated that, higher percentage of the  annual budgetary provision was voted for infrastructural development.
His words, “since April 12, 2012, when I assumed office as works and nfrastructure commissioner, the Ministry has embarked on the following projects; expansion of Isaac Boro-Ox-bow lake road, (11.8km), dualization of Opolo- Elebele road, (8km), flyovers at NNPC junction and Etegwe/Tombia road, Yenagoa/Oporoma road, Ogbia/Nembe/Brass road, Sagbama/Ekeremor road, Airport project, (in partnership with the Federal Government) and Tower Hotel.
Others are; multi-door court house, secretariat annex, expansion and dualization of outer ring road, dualization of Azikoro road and outer ring road to tourist Island and Diete Spiff road.
Also, the conversion of deputy governor’s lodge, construction of Helipad at the tourist Island and international motor park at Igbogene, Ecumenical worship centre at Igbogene, among others.
While urging Bayelsans to disregard those peddling the rumour about the various projects going on across the state, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Chief  Fred Agbedi, said the presentation of the works commissioner and monthly transparency briefing by the governor is enough evidence that the projects are not only initiated, executed but also funded by the state government.
“However, there is nothing wrong in going to partnership with the Federal government in the execution of developmental projects that will be of benefit to the people of the state,” he said.
The present administration, according to Chief Agbedi is jointly executing the multi-billion naira International cargo airport in the state.

Assistant Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Alli (right) discussing with Patron Nigerian Legion Zone A, Rivers State, Lt. Col. Andrew Osagie during the passing out parade of Batch (B) in Port Harcourt, last week.