Apart from the Yenagoa-Oporoma Road currently under construction by the government of Senator Douye Diri, the people of Southern Ijaw are to get another road project, courtesy of the governor.
The governor said while on a campaign tour of the area that his administration would re-commence and complete the road from Toru-Ebeni in Sagbama Local Government Area linking Ogboinbiri-Ekeni-Ezetu communities in the local government.
Speaking at Ukubie, headquarters of Southern Ijaw Constituency 4, the governor said the road project will be included in the state’s 2024 budget. He, however, directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to immediately commence clearing of the road.
The Toru-Ebeni road, which was initiated by former president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, when he was governor of the state, was inherited by Senator Seriake Dickson, who continued the project and constructed the Toru-Ebeni bridge.
After inspecting the Ukubie community hospital, Governor Diri directed the Commissioner for Health to immediately assess the health facility and carry out renovation works. Responding to their requests, the state’s helmsman promised to build a pavilion in the community as well as convey their request for establishment of a police station to the appropriate authorities.
He said: “This constituency needs development and what will facilitate it is the Yenagoa-Oporoma-Ukubie Bayelsa Central senatorial road as well as the Toru-Ebeni-Ogboinbiri-Ekeni-Ezetu road.
“I hereby direct the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning to include the construction of the road project in the 2024 budget.
“I also direct the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure to immediately commence clearing of the road. When these roads are completed, they will not only reduce crime in our communities but also reduce travel time from Yenagoa to Ukubie and other communities.
“A lot of your sons and daughters, including the Secretary to the State Government, commissioners, among others are with us in government and so we assure you of more development.”
Diri urged the people to continue to support his administration, adding that more people from the local government will also benefit from the government’s empowerment schemes.
He said the recent beneficiaries of the government’s skills acquisition training will get their starter packs before next month’s election.
Chairman of the Bayelsa Internal Revenue Board and co-ordinator of the PDP campaign council in the Central Senatorial zone, Prof Nimbofa Ayaowei, said the people were prepared to cast their votes en bloc for the party to ensure it retains the governorship seat.
At Ogboinbiri, Senator Diri inaugurated a market, a constituency project undertaken by former Speaker and incumbent Senator representing Bayelsa Central, Dr. Konbowei Benson.
At Korokorosei community, the governor spoke through his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, stating that it was only the PDP that gave their son, Benson, the opportunity to serve as speaker of the House of Assembly for three terms as well as appointed others into positions of trust.
