December 12, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State is making moves to establish a Rural Road Maintenance Agency and a State Road Fund to enhance road infrastructure and boost the local economy.
This initiative was emphasized by the Director of Development Transport Solution Limited and Transport Consultant to the World Bank, Maysam Abadin, during an online Sector Reform Consultation Workshop involving stakeholders from Bayelsa and Jigawa states.
Abadin stressed that the agency, when established, must operate independently of the state government to ensure its effectiveness and sustainability.
He added that the proposed agency would focus on maintaining rural roads to enhance economic activities in the state.
He also called on the state government to enact a legal framework to support the creation of the Rural Road Maintenance Agency and the State Road Fund, noting that the establishment of these entities is a prerequisite for the commencement of the World Bank-supported Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project.
In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Chairman of the Bayelsa RAAMP State Project Management Committee, Dr. Wisdom Ebiye Sawyer, highlighted the potential of RAAMP to connect multiple rural roads and improve agricultural marketing.
He urged all stakeholders to collaborate towards the successful establishment of the agency.
The online workshop, held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, Onopa, drew a wide range of stakeholders.
Other participants included policymakers, technical experts, and representatives of local communities, all united in their resolve to ensure improved road access for rural dwellers across Bayelsa State.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
