Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok Ete Ekwe Ibas, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, has articulated a firm commitment to the rehabilitation of vandalised infrastructure across the state, prioritising projects within the parameters of available financial resources. This commitment was conveyed during a comprehensive inspection tour conducted on Friday, encompassing ongoing road construction, damaged Local Government Council secretariats, and the recently commissioned Bori Zonal Hospital.
Africa Update reports that the inspection itinerary included critical road infrastructure projects such as the Nyhokhana-Kenkhana road, facilitating connectivity between Luuwa and Baani communities, and the Zakphor-Bateem road, both situated in Khana Local Government Area. Additionally, assessments were conducted on the Eleme internal road and drainage systems, as well as the Eleme segment of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project. The Administrator also evaluated the extent of damage inflicted upon the Khana and Eleme Local Government Council Secretariats.
According to an official statement released by the Government House press unit, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibas expressed profound dismay at the observed level of destruction, emphasising the regressive impact of such acts on the state’s developmental trajectory.
He stated, ““I think, , we owe the people that we are superintending over, the duty to ensure that these facilities and infrastructure are in the best order.
“We have made a commitment to fix most of these vandalised infrastructure with the limited resources that we have. It is a commitment that, I think that, we need to deliver, to enable those who are using them return back to work.
“I think that by the time I go visiting the other local governments and see what we have on ground, we will see how we can continue to build trust in our efforts to unite the people of Rivers State, so, that we can make this State a great state that people would want to be in.”
Furthermore, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibas reiterated his pledge to expedite the completion of the State House of Assembly, following his recent site visit. He emphasised the imperative of collaborative governance, urging leaders at all levels to contribute to the delivery of effective public services and the judicious management of resources. He said: “Within the limited resources made available to the local government, I want to implore those who are managing those resources to put them to judicious use.
“The people are watching. They want to know exactly what we are doing with their money. We need to limit the damage that is being created through delivering good governance. I think, once the people are happy with what we are doing, the chances of them taking laws in their hands will be minimized.”
Commenting on the ongoing road projects, Vice Admiral (Rtd), Ibas said roads are critical infrastructure for development and enhanced commerce in any society, which is why such provision cannot be compromised.
Vice Admiral (Rtd), Ibas stated: “The more roads we have, the more commerce – I mean, the means of commuting becomes easy. We are trying to create wealth. Without roads, of course, sometimes, you have your produce, before you move them to the market place, they are all rotten.
“But we also expect that when these roads are completed that those who are going to use them will also take care of the infrastructure,” he added.
Addressing the critical role of road infrastructure in economic development and commerce, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibas underscored the necessity for diligent maintenance upon project completion. “Enhanced road networks facilitate commercial activity and minimize logistical impediments,” he noted. “We expect beneficiaries to safeguard these vital assets, ensuring their longevity and continued functionality.”
