Bayelsa Govt Intensifies Commitment To Infrastructure Development

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Government is stepping up its commitment to infrastructure development, particularly road construction, according to Commissioner for Information Hon. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai.

During a project tour led by Dr. Kola Oredipe, Director General of New Media, she emphasized the government’s commitment to urban renewal and highlighted ongoing projects such as the 7.8-kilometer Glory Drive Phase 3 and the Angiama-Oporoma bridge that connects several communities.

Koku-Obiyai reassured residents that all projects are evidence-based, hoping to allay concerns about government efforts.

Other ongoing road projects visited included the road connecting Amassoma to Toruebeni and Boluorua town, as well as the Oporoma Angiama bridge, which connects several communities in the Southern Ijaw local government area.

Other project sites visited include the new commissioner and legislative quarters in the new Yenagoa city.

Addressing journalists at the end of the tour, the Commissioner stated that all of their projects are evidence-based. This means that if the government says they are building roads, you will see them.

“In our assured agenda, one of our key points is urban renewal. This community where we are standing is a new community that is emerging and this is the new Yenagoa city.

“In this new Yenagoa city, the first part is the new commissioner quarters, and here are the new House of Assembly quarters, which are very beautiful.

“That is the spirit of prosperity government that Bayelsa, Yenagoa should look like any other modern city across the globe and that is to tell you that we are actually on course.

She said the people have desired the Toruebeni road for a long time, and because of the nature of the governor, they have who will always stick to his campaign promises.

“Decided to continue the construction of the road. Saying Yenagoa/ Oporoma/ Ukubie road is another key road which they took over from where the previous administration stopped and the present government has gone far even in the bridge work.

“I want to say prosperity government is on course; it’s a fast-moving train, and I want all Bayelsans to join us in this train to tell the world the good things.

“Our governor is doing and will do more for all of us, so I want the people to continue to support him and the government,” she said.

Also speaking, Mr. Kola Oredipe, Director General of New Media, stated that the Yenagoa Oporoma Ukubie road is a historic project, with the government of Governor Douye Diri picking up where the previous administration left off in 2020.

He stated that the Swali bridge was built by the previous administration of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan while he was the state’s governor and that subsequent governments followed.

The DG added that the Restoration Government took the road to Igeibiri, and it was from there that Governor Douye Diri took over, resulting in the construction company successfully crossing 16 of 17 pillars.

“The Angiama Oporoma bridge is 670 meters long with 17 pillars, and there is a 2.1-kilometre spur connecting Otuan, 1.5 kilometres of which has been filled with sand.

“Stone-based, while the one connecting Oporoma is 7.4 kilometres long, with approximately 2 kilometres sand-filled and stone-based. The prosperity government is working to ensure that almost all communities in the hinterland have access to the state capital.”

“The Glory Drive phase 3, which connects Amassoma Road to Imgbi Junction, is 7.8 kilometres long. This same government completed phase 2 of the Glory Drive, which many people consider to be one of the best roads in Yenagoa,” he said.

Engr. Cleve Erebo, the supervising engineer for the Ministry of Works, stated that the road is dual carriage and has a 120-meter bridge that will cross to the Imgbi junction.

“The company has 2.5 kilometres of stone-based infrastructure and is ready to deliver on time. Though they would have gone further, the flooding caused a delay, but they are now fully back on site,” he said.

Speaking to journalists, CCECC’s site engineer, Engr Odi Lee, stated that they have 2.8 km of sand and 2.5 km of stone.

He also stated that pilling work is currently underway at the bridge crossing Imgbi junction, of which there are only two remaining.

“The sand filling will be completed by August 2025, and we hope to complete the work by the end of the year.”

Lee stated that they do not face financial difficulties because the state government provides them with consistent funding.

Also speaking, Engr. Camilo Lee, the site engineer for the Oporoma Ukubie road project, thanked the state government for awarding the contract to CCECC and promised to complete the bridge as soon as possible.

He stated that they had completed 3.5 kilometres of the Oporoma and Otuan roads. Otuan people can use motorbikes to get around their community. He also mentioned that they might be able to finish it next year.