Diri seeks support of FG, IOCs in completion of Nembe-Brass Road

[From CHRIS ONYEAMA, Yenagoa]

Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri has appealed to the Federal Government and international oil companies (IOCs) operating in the state to join hands completing the Nembe-Brass road project.

The governor made the appeal, Thursday, at the ground breaking ceremony of the 21-kilometer first phase of the road in Nembe.

Diri recalled that the road which was first conceived by the colonial masters in 1943 has suffered many hitches that delayed its take off, but assured that his administration would pursue the project to its logical conclusion.

“This road has suffered many setbacks since it was conceived by the colonial masters in 1943. And the cream of people from Nembe and Brass in attendance here today underscores the importance they attach to the road”.

“I would like to assure you that yes, the economy is experiencing downtown, but as we are here to flag off this road, we will not stop”.    

The Governor said it was the resolve of the state government to take roads to all the local government areas in the state that are not yet accessible by road. He said while work is ongoing at the Western and Central Senatorial roads, the Nembe and Brass road in the Eastern senatorial road should also commence.

Diri expressed optimism in the capacity of Setraco Construction Company which won the bid to construct the road to deliver the project in record time.

He urged the youths in the communities the road would traverse to own the project and carry it like “glass that cannot be broken”.

Remarking, State Commissioner for Works, Moses Teibowei, noted that the road is a trunk road that ought to be the responsibility of the Federal Government.

He said the Governor however decided to take it up in fulfilment of the infrastructural revolution he promised the people during his campaign to be governor.

The commissioner also said the flag off of the Nembe-Brass road has brought even spread of the senatorial roads which would boost commercial activities and open up the Brass Island to the nation for local and international investors.

According to the commissioner, the road was first awarded in 2009 by the Timipre Sylva administration but later abandoned, adding that the new contact is divided into three phases. He further stressed that the first phase of 21 kilometers with 10 bridges was being flagged off at the ceremony.

He said the contract is expected to be completed within 24- 36 months, adding that apart from boosting economic activities, the road would reduce the incidence of piracy and mishaps on the water ways.

Former Petroleum minister and King of Nembe Kingdom, HRM Edmund Dakoru commended Gov

Diri for initiating the project and urged all Bayelsans to support the Governor to ensure its completion.

He warned the youths and traditional rulers to eschew any frivolous demands that could delay the project.