By Eseoghene Emuke
The Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has debunked claims that the state government has abandoned the construction of Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu Council Area of the state
Aniagwu said the state government has voted more funds for the completion of the project in the 2020 budget.
A statement issued by the commissioner on Tuesday stressed that the Governor Ifeanyi Okowa-led administration is committed to ensure that bridge is completed.
The commissioner was reacting media reports alleging that the Ayakoromo bridge project has been abandoned.
The Ijaw Peoples Development Initiative (IPDI) and Ayakoromo youths had threatened showdown with the state government over the bridge which connect riverine communities in Burutu and Ughelli South to the upland area of the state.
Aniagwu, however, assured residents and people of the area that works on the bridge will commence in the early part of the year.
He urged IPDI and Ayakoromo youths to sheathe their sword and shun their planned protest as government had already made provisions for the completion of the bridge in the 2020 budget.
“As a Government we are committed to the construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge to link communities in Ughelli South and Burutu Local Government Areas.
“The Okowa administration is concerned about the slow pace of work on the bridge and had already taken steps to fast track its completion by making enough provisions for the project in the 2020 budget.
“The State Government remains committed to the development of riverine communities in Ijawland as well as other parts of the state and will stop at nothing until we give a new lease of life to rural and coastal communities in Delta State.
“I therefore appeal to IPDI and Ayakoromo youths to tow the path of peace even as Government is doing everything possible to make life more meaningful for them.” Aniagwu stated
