The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, has lauded the resolve of the administration of President Muhammdu Buhari to address infrastructure deficit in the South-South region of the country.
Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi
Amaechi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Port Harcourt that the economic down-turn in the country would not stop the president from delivering on his campaign promises to the region.
He said that the Federal Government had shown determination to commence key projects that would enhance development of the region.
“We will deliver on our promises to the region but we need the people to be patient with us because we need money to embark on them, they are huge projects.
“I have announced that the Federal Government has approved 16 billion dollars for the construction of most railways in the South, these are capital intensive projects, so we are looking for money to execute them.
“This administration is determined to deliver on its campaign promises, as we can see, the abandoned Bodo/Bonny road is now enjoying necessary attention as the president is set to flag-off the project soon.
“I urge the people of the South-South region to remain grateful to this administration,’’ the former Rivers governor said.
Amaechi also said that the Federal Government has taken steps to ensure the take-off of the Ogoni clean-up process.
According to him, the government was trying to bring the oil companies together to solve the issue of funds delaying it.
“The Federal Government is working to actualise the implementation of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) report by ensuring funds release by the oil companies.
“We will progress with the UNEP report implementation, there has been issues of delayed counterpart funding by the oil companies.
“This issue has delayed the take-off of the Ogoni clean-up process but the Federal Government is trying to bring the companies together to ensure funds were released,’’ he said.
The minister also said that the president had approved the construction of an Industrial Park worth 500 million dollars in Port Harcourt, and when completed, had the capacity to boost manufacturing/commerce in the region.
“The president has approved construction of the Port Harcourt Industrial Park worth 500 million dollars, I think this administration is doing well for this region.
“I urge us to support this administration as it delivers good governance to the people,’’ Amaechi said.