Yenagoa—When the self-styled prosperity government led by Senator Douye Diri took over the mantle of leadership in Bayelsa State, it promised to rapidly develop the state’s infrastructure.
As expected, it embarked on several infrastructural projects in the state.
One of such projects is the dualization of the popular Isaac Boro expressway in Yenagoa, the state capital.
The dualization project which started from the administration of former governor Seriake Dickson (now senator) is currently being criticized because of the slow pace at the Etegwe section of the road.
In a chat with our reporter, foremost Niger Delta activist, Mr Alagoa Morris stated that plying the road has proven to be physically agonizing.
He noted that the delay in completing that section of the road has subjected motorists to emotional stress.
“Anybody who says he or she is comfortable with the snail pace at which the construction work is going within that short distance at Etegwe would be viewed as being economical or political with the truth.
“Even critics get tired or just ignore sometimes; that disposition shouldn’t be taken for granted by government,” he said.
Morris urged the company handling the project to “ensure a quality job is done and the state government should also play roles expected of it to complete the road.
“Even if they were constructing a flyover; it should be getting to completion stage by now. Talk less of that very short section of an existing road.”
Similarly, Mrs Ebiaride Timilayefa, a resident of Yenagoa, bemoaned the slow pace of work on the road.
In her words: “It is quite unfortunate that the Etegwe section of the road which is not up to 2 kilometers is taking forever to complete.
“Because of its deplorable condition, it has become very risky for a pregnant woman to ply that road as it can lead to miscarriage.”
She appealed to the state government to double its effort to ensure the road is completed in earnest.
Another resident who pleaded for anonymity stated that “I am not worried about the slow pace of the job because I know it will benefit all Bayelsans when completed.
“The inconvenience the project is causing is beyond the contractor or the state government. We just have to endure pending its completion.”
When contacted, a media aide to the Bayelsa commissioner for works said he does not have any information about the project.
He did not respond to calls after promising to get back to us at the time of filing this report.
