My administration is changing Bayelsa’s difficult terrain narrative – Diri

From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa

Governor of Bayelsa State Douye Diri has said his administration’s numerous infrastructure projects are beginning to dispel the narrative that the state’s terrain is difficult to develop.

The projects range from big-ticket to access and internal road projects, bridges across creeks and rivers, and physical structures across the state.

Senator Diri stated this on Tuesday during an inspection of ongoing projects in New Yenagoa City and at the Okaka Housing Estate.

The Bayelsa governor, who stated that his administration is building a new planned city, particularly called on Bayelsans outside the state not to believe the narrative that its terrain is difficult to develop.

The governor said the new legislators’ and commissioners’ quarters in New Yenagoa City are signature projects of his administration and expressed satisfaction with the level of work done.

He said, “This legislators’ quarters is one of the major signature projects we are going to commission during our anniversary in February. We are building a new Bayelsa city, a planned city in Yenagoa.

“Those who said our terrain is difficult and cannot be subdued, I’m happy that we are subduing it and now dispelling that belief, particularly for those who are outside Bayelsa State.

“This is not a terrain that is too difficult for anybody to develop. I am happy that we are putting the records straight about the history of developing this terrain.”

The governor also noted that the administration had embarked on several massive projects by judiciously utilising the state’s monthly allocations without borrowing a dime.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Moses Teibowei, assured that the new House of Assembly quarters would be completed for inauguration during the anniversary celebration in February.

“My target is the last day of January. I am sure this project will be delivered because we work on Saturday and Sunday,” Teibowei said.

Speaking on the Okaka Housing Estate, Diri stressed that the one-bedroom housing unit project was initiated during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was governor of the state.

He said the project was abandoned for a long time but his administration decided to complete the buildings and would also embark on new housing projects for all Bayelsans.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, Rt Hon Tonye Isenah, said the agency had completed 48 units of one-bedroom flats out of the 192 flats. He said the project was being executed through direct labour.