Bayelsa State Government has presented cheques to the tune of N8.5 billion as mobilization fee for the construction of the Sagbama- Ekeremor, Yenagoa-Oporoma senatorial roads as well as the construction of an airstrip.
A breakdown of the figure indicated that N3 billion was paid for the mobilization of the Sagbama-Ekeremor road, which is to be handled by a reputable construction company, Dantata and Sawoe PLC and N2.5 billion for the construction of an airstrip by the same company.
Another cheque of N3bn was presented to the Chinese Civil Engineering and Construction Company, (CCCEC), which would be in charge of the Oporoma-Yenagoa road.
Speaking at the presentation of the cheques, in Yenagoa Governor Seriake Dickson assured that adequate funds have been earmarked for the various projects, stating that it was incumbent on the contractors to work hard to ensure timely completion of the projects.
On the Nembe-Brass road, Governor Dickson said the project would be awarded early next year as new designs have been developed raising the road as high as 7 metres in view of the flooding that ravaged infrastructures including roads and bridges.
According to him, both the Nembe-Brass and Sagbama-Ekeremor roads are estimated to cost N90bn and government will construct the Nembe-Brass road in collaboration with the private sector.
Commenting on the airstrip project,expected to be completed within one year, Hon. Dickson said clearing has gone far on the site, situated along the Amassoma, Ogobiri and Egbedi axis, which he noted do not require much sandfilling like the previous site.
He restated government’s policy on the introduction of some level of local content and directed the Minstry of Works and Infrastructure to ensure its implementation on the aspect of the sand filling of the site.
He pointed out that the presentation the cheques to the companies was a demonstration of government’s determination to open up the hinterlands by undertaking the construction of the senatorial roads and bring development closer to the rural dwellers and urged the youths to be supportive of the contractors to enable them deliver on the projects on time.
In their separate responses, representatives of the Dantata group, Hamza Nasco and the Project Manager of CCEC, Gillio Costa, commended Governor Dickson for his commitment to the development of the state.
Representatives of the firms assured that they would deliver on schedule towards meeting the expectation of government.
