Rivers State Government has invested over N90Billion in the construction
of critical road infrastructure to develop the economy of the state,
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has announced.
The governor also said that the infrastructure development programme
of his administration has been insulated from political consideration
for the attainment of positive results.
Declaring open the West Africa Architects Fair (WAAF 2016) in Port
Harcourt on Tuesday , Governor Wike said :”On infrastructure, we have over
90 billion naira into construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of
roads, bridges and jetties. This money has effectively delivered over 80
roads, while work is ongoing on the construction of about 35new roads,
spread across the three senatorial districts of the State.
“Most importantly, in order to derive maximum value for money spent, we
have insulated our infrastructure development and delivery master plan
from political considerations by ensuring that the designing, construction
and supervision of all our roads are handled by reputable professionals
and construction companies.”
Represented by the Secretary to the Rivers State Government , Governor
Wike noted that his administration overcame initial challenges of empty
treasury , unpaid salaries , insecurity caused by closed courts and a
weak economy .
He said: “When we assumed office we met a State that was at the lowest
rung in all indices of development. Besides an empty treasury, we
inherited months of unpaid salaries to civil servants and a totally broken
infrastructure. The poor security situation was exacerbated by the
prolonged closure of the courts for over 12 months leading to
unprecedented capital flights and disinvestments.
“However, 17 months after, we have recorded remarkable achievements in
several areas of development. For instance, our first sets of priority
were to clear the backlog of salaries, fix our broken roads and transport
infrastructure and create jobs by reflating the economy. In all these we
have successfully delivered.
“For instance, apart from clearing the arrears of salaries, we are among
the very few States with proven capacity to meet our financial obligations
to civil servants, contractors and vendors. On infrastructure, we have
over 90 billion naira into construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction
of roads, bridges and jetties”.
The governor lauded Nigerian Architects for their contributions to the
development of the country. He said since his days as council chairman
of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area , through to his days as Minister of
State for Education to now that he is a governor, he has collaborated
with architects to deliver quality projects.
In his remarks , the President of Nigeria Institute of Architects ,
Architect Tonye Oliver Braide said that Architects are working towards
developing new cities that will help grow the economies of different
countries .
WAAF 2016 is a gathering of architects and allied professionals from
across West African sub region.