The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to meeting counterpart funding obligations for critical development projects in the state. Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by officials of the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Programme (RAAMP) at the Government House in Yenagoa. Akpe emphasized the Governor Douye Diri-led administration's focus on infrastructural development, particularly road and bridge construction, to improve connectivity across the state despite its challenging terrain.
Akpe acknowledged RAAMP's role in providing access to rural communities through road construction and improving agricultural activities. He noted that the programme would complement the government's efforts to connect rural communities with the state capital, boosting socio-economic activities. The deputy governor also urged RAAMP and other development partners to consider the state's difficult terrain when preparing budgets and project plans.
The Bayelsa State Government has adopted strategic partnerships in executing key development projects, yielding positive results. Akpe highlighted that partnership is crucial in executing laudable projects and programmes. He assured RAAMP that the government would meet its counterpart funding obligations and address areas that require attention.
RAAMP's Team Lead and Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Chinedu Olisah, announced that $600m in donor funds is available for distribution among states that met the conditions for participation in the programme. The fund comprises $500m from the World Bank and $100m from the Federal Government. Olisah commended the Bayelsa State Government for meeting some required conditions.
Olisah appealed to the state government to provide a take-off grant to enable the state RARA office to effectively discharge its responsibilities. He suggested merging the Bayelsa RARA office with the State Road Fund office and stressed the need for the government to meet its counterpart funding obligations.
The Bayelsa State Government prioritizes road construction, with ongoing projects aimed at linking local government headquarters and opening up the state for agriculture and business. Akpe noted that the terrain poses challenges but emphasized the government's determination to overcome them.
The collaboration between the Bayelsa State Government and RAAMP is expected to boost socio-economic activities in the state. Key projects include road construction and improving agricultural activities. The government's commitment to meeting counterpart funding obligations is seen as a positive step towards achieving these goals.
Key points
- The Bayelsa State Government has pledged to meet its counterpart funding obligations for critical development projects.
- $600m in donor funds is available for distribution among states that met the conditions for participation in the RAAMP programme.
- The Bayelsa State Government prioritizes road construction to improve connectivity across the state despite its challenging terrain.
