March 25, (THEWILL) – Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his administration’s commitment to the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road project, describing it as a crucial infrastructure development for the state.
Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the project’s contractors, A.I.L Infrastructure Limited, to Government House, Yenagoa, Diri expressed appreciation for the Federal Government’s decision to mobilise contractors to the site.
The project, which had remained on the drawing board for over 60 years, was initiated by the Diri administration in 2022, with 60 per cent of the 21-kilometre first phase already completed.
The governor emphasised the economic significance of the road, noting that despite the high cost of construction, his administration prioritized it due to its potential impact on the people of Bayelsa and the nation at large.
He stressed that Nembe and Brass, as key contributors to the national economy, had long deserved such a critical infrastructure project and expressed optimism that the road would be completed within his second term.
Diri assured the contractor of the state government’s full cooperation and directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, alongside the chairmen of Nembe and Brass local councils, to collaborate closely to ensure the project’s timely completion.
“You might not fully grasp the level of excitement among the people of Bayelsa, particularly in Nembe and Brass, over this project,” Diri stated.
He added, “There has been a lot of misinformation about development efforts in our state, and this event will help set the record straight. Bayelsa has three senatorial districts, each leading to the Atlantic Ocean, making infrastructure like this indispensable.”
“For years, we have talked about this project, and now, it is finally materialising. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Tinubu for his steadfast commitment to Bayelsa’s development. This road is not just an infrastructure project but an economic game-changer.”
Earlier, the Chairman of A.I.L Infrastructure Limited, Engr. Biodun Otunola, confirmed that the second phase of the project was awarded in July 2024, with preliminary work already completed.
Otunola disclosed that, given the swampy terrain of Bayelsa, the road would be constructed using concrete technology to ensure durability. He assured that the project would meet high construction standards and be completed on schedule.
He also sought the support of the state government in facilitating community engagement and security arrangements while requesting a formal date for the project’s official flag-off.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
