Earlyface

Delta State Government has been commended for the use of local content in infrastructural development in the state. The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku gave this commendation while inspecting various National and State projects in Asaba with the Good Governance Team.

He commended work at the various project sites and praised the State Government for reposing confidence on local contractors for the execution of projects. In his words “No country will come and develop Nigeria for us except Nigerians. Using local contractors will create jobs for our people and there will be no capital flight.

If we encourage local contractors, we will increase the economic capacity of our people”. Mr. Maku urged the State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, to continue in his great infrastructural strides as these legacy projects would be testimony of his great work in the State.

On his part, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan explained that in line with the State's policy of “Delta Beyond Oil” the state government has carried out various infrastructure developmental projects which could sustain economic growth . He said that the state belief on the ability of local contractors was unwavering.

He explained that the contractor handling the Asaba International Airport and the New Government House is a Deltan. In his remarks, Prof. Sylvester Monye, Senior Special Adviser to the President on Project Monitoring and Performance Evaluation expressed his delight at the massive infrastructural development in the state.

He reiterated his support for the state government’s vision of 3 point Agenda. He described the projects especially the New Government House and the Asaba International Airport as legacy projects for Deltans.

At inspection of the tricycles, Buses and Boats meant for the state transport scheme, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan explained that the state government has acquired 130 boats and build 30 jetties to service the various riverine communities in the state.

He said that the boats which would be given to youths through their cooperative societies at subsidized rate was an empowerment scheme to provide jobs for the youths. He opined that a maintenance workshop has been opened in Warri for the maintenance of the boats.

While explaining that the boats could be commissioned in two weeks time, he urged the beneficiaries to put them to good use and maintain their designated routes. Commenting, the Minister of Information, Mr. Labara Maku who commended the comprehensive transport scheme of the state government opined that it will make transportation throughout the state safer for the people.

He expressed delight that the boats were fabricated in Nigeria and enjoined other states to emulate the Delta State gesture so as to enable the company grow. At the Asaba International Airport, another project visited by the team, Governor Uduaghan explained that the airport which cost over 24 billion naira would be concessioned to a private concern for effective management and maintenance.

He said that the process of licensing of the Airport was on with the Federal Minister of Aviation to enable the Airport take off fully. In his words “we are working with the Federal Ministry of Aviation on the licensing of the Airport. The process is still on.

We are also discussing with them on the concession of the airport so that it can be properly managed and maintained.” The Minister of Information who was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the airport described it as world class and the best in the country. He praised the state government for taking the initiative to build the airport.

He said that the airport was strategically located and would bring an economic development to the state. Mr. Maku disclosed that a railway line would run from Lagos to Asaba and coupled with the seaport at Onitsha, there would be an economic boost in the state.

Emphasizing further Mr. Maku said “the airport speaks for itself, it has a market and it will be a busy one as it ranks amongst the best in the world.

With the Seaport in Onitsha and the proposed rail line from Lagos to Asaba, there would be an economic boost in the state”. The Good Governance Tour Team also inspected St. Patrick College Asaba, Federal Medical Centre and GRA Model Primary School Asaba.