Bayelsa State Pledges Funding Support for Key Infrastructure Development

The Bayelsa State Government has committed to fulfilling its financial obligations regarding counterpart funding for crucial development initiatives across the state. This assurance was conveyed by Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, on Wednesday, during a courtesy call by officials from the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP) at the Government House in Yenagoa.

Dr. Akpe reiterated the resolve of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration to prioritize infrastructure development, specifically focusing on building roads and bridges. This commitment aims to enhance connectivity throughout the state, even in the face of its notoriously difficult terrain. He highlighted the government's strategy of forging strategic partnerships to implement major development projects, a method that has consistently yielded positive outcomes.

The Deputy Governor recognized RAAMP's significant contribution to opening up rural areas by constructing roads and fostering agricultural growth. He further explained that the programme would bolster the government's ongoing efforts to link remote communities with the state capital, thereby stimulating socio-economic activities.

Dr. Akpe implored RAAMP and other collaborating development partners involved in co-funded initiatives to factor in Bayelsa State's challenging landscape when devising their budgets and project blueprints. He stated, "Partnership is a fundamental approach adopted by the Prosperity Government in its operational framework; we actively collaborate with reputable organizations, institutions, and individuals. This strategy has consistently delivered positive returns, as we recognize the crucial role of partnerships in executing commendable projects and programmes like yours. Therefore, it is no surprise that Bayelsa is among the states that have fulfilled the stipulated criteria for this specific programme. You have outlined numerous conditions we have met, with only a few remaining areas to address. However, I want to assure you that we will attend to those outstanding points, including the counterpart funding you referenced. There should be no apprehension regarding that whatsoever. I also want to guarantee that our officials possess extensive experience and operate with high integrity."

Discussing the state's infrastructural progress, Akpe emphasized, "As a government, we approach road construction with utmost seriousness. This sector receives our highest priority. We are engaged in constructing roads and bridges spanning large rivers, smaller streams, and swampy areas. Our terrain, as you are aware, presents unique challenges. Yet, we are resolute in our determination to overcome it. Consequently, this factor must be considered, as often, when budgets are formulated or project plans and expenditures are developed, the specific terrain is not adequately accounted for. Nonetheless, we are actively constructing major roads across the creeks to connect local government headquarters, a move that is significantly unlocking our state's potential for agriculture and commerce. Your RAAMP Project aims to extend these roads to our farmlands. I am confident that this initiative will significantly enhance or supplement our existing efforts. This is precisely why we are eagerly embracing it."

Earlier, Chinedu Olisah, who serves as the Team Lead and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for RAAMP, announced that a total of $600 million in donor funding is available for states that fulfill the program's participation criteria. Mr. Olisah clarified that the World Bank contributed $500 million of this fund, with the Federal Government providing the remaining $100 million.

He lauded the Bayelsa State Government for satisfying several prerequisites, including the establishment of the boards for both the Bayelsa State Rural Access Roads Authority (RARA) and the Bayelsa State Road Fund. However, Olisah appealed to the state administration to release a take-off grant to enable the state RARA office to function effectively. He also proposed the amalgamation of the Bayelsa RARA office with the State Road Fund office and underscored the necessity for the government to meet its counterpart funding commitments.