Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, has reaffirmed the state government's commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations for development projects and programmes. This assurance was given during a visit by officials of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP) at Government House, Yenagoa. The Diri administration remains committed to infrastructural development, particularly road and bridge construction, to improve connectivity across the state.
The Bayelsa government has adopted strategic partnerships with development organisations and institutions to execute critical projects, yielding positive results. RAAMP's intervention in providing access roads to rural communities and improving agricultural activities will complement the government's ongoing infrastructure development efforts. This initiative will help connect farms and hinterland communities to the state capital, boosting agriculture, trade, and other socio-economic activities.
Deputy Governor Akpe urged RAAMP and other development partners to consider Bayelsa's difficult terrain when preparing budgets and project plans to ensure equity and fairness. The state is constructing roads and bridges across rivers, creeks, and swamps despite the challenging terrain. Major roads are being built in the creeks to link local government headquarters, opening up the state for agriculture and business.
Akpe added that RAAMP's focus on providing roads to farms will complement the state's existing infrastructure programme. The initiative aligns with the government's efforts to improve rural access and agricultural marketing. RAAMP's intervention will support the state's goal of enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth.
RAAMP Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Mr. Chinedu Olisah, stated that $600 million in donor funds is available for distribution among states that meet the programme's participation conditions. The fund comprises $500 million from the World Bank and $100 million from the Federal Government. Olisah commended Bayelsa for meeting several RAAMP requirements, including constituting the boards of the state Rural Access Roads Authority (RARA) and the State Road Fund (SRF).
Olisah appealed to the government to provide a take-off grant for RARA, consider merging the RARA and SRF offices, and meet its counterpart funding obligation. This will enable Bayelsa to fully participate in the programme and access the available funds. The state's participation in RAAMP will help improve rural infrastructure and enhance agricultural productivity.
The Bayelsa government's commitment to meeting its counterpart funding obligations demonstrates its dedication to development and growth. The state's partnership with RAAMP and other development organisations will help drive progress in infrastructure development, agriculture, and socio-economic activities. The government's efforts aim to improve the lives of Bayelsa residents and promote sustainable development.
Key points
- Bayelsa State government assures RAAMP of commitment to counterpart funding obligations.
- RAAMP provides $600 million in donor funds for states that meet participation conditions.
- Bayelsa government adopts strategic partnerships to drive infrastructure development and economic growth.
