The Correspondents Chapel of the Nigerian Union of Journalists in Bayelsa State says that several capital projects in the state were being delayed despite the revenue profile of the state.

The Correspondents quoted figures obtained from the Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) indicating that Bayelsa received N99 billion between January and December 2016.

A recent loan of N3 billion approved by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly to finance the acquisition of cars for legislators despite owing civil servants six months salary arrears had sparked off public outrage in the state.

The funding gap suffered by various project sites was noticed by a team of Journalists on an independent tour of ongoing projects across the state.

Journalists in the state used the two-day project tour initiated by the leadership of the Federated Correspondents’ Chapel to inspect projects covering various sectors – Education, Infrastructure, Health, Agriculture and Tourism.

According to a report issued at the end of the tour signed by the Chapel Chairman, Mr, Kola Oredipe, the projects visited cut across the three Senatorial districts of the state.

Some of the project sites visited were the Bayelsa West Senatorial road linking Sagbama and Ekeremor Local Governments, Africa University, Toru-Orua, Cassava and Poultry Farms in Ebedebiri, Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama, and Bayelsa International Airport, Amassoma.

Other projects visited were the Aquaculture farm estate in Akenfa, Opolo-Elebele Road, Isaac Boro Express way, Elebele-Bayelsa Palm Road section of the outer ring road, the Pavillion at Ox-Bow Lake, Diagnostic Centre, and the Samson Siasia Sports Complex.

At the Bayelsa Airport, the contractor handling the runway, apron and a terminal building said contrary to the earlier reports that the project is almost ready. Work done so far is just about 45 per cent completion.

According to the Assistant Project Manager, Dantata and Sawoe, the contractors handling the airport, Engr. Samson Aniedi, work is progressing at the apron, runway and terminal building but the project is suffering from poor funding.

“The project has 3km runway expected to be one of the best in the South-South, classified as Category D, the airport is made up of 200 square meters Apron where cargo and planes will park.

“A lot of sand filling was done initially due to swampy nature of the terrain. Apron casting is about 35% complete and can accommodate four 747 cargo planes when completed.

“Taxiing way was suspended at the moment due to some issues,” Aniedi said, adding that with proper funding, the project should be ready for the first flight sometime in October this year. He added that aviation authorities are already on ground to ensure that the work is up to standard and specification.

The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, had said last year that the first flight would land at the airport by December last year.

It will also be recalled that Ewhrudjakpo confirmed that the government had taken a N0 billion loan to fast track the project which has had its delivery date shifted severally.

At the Toru-Orua-Ekeremor Road project, Project Engineer, Mr. John Emonyon, said the about N25 billion 38-kilometre project, has reached Ofoni community in Sagbama Local Government Area.

According to him, sand filling is over 11km while stone base is about 8.5 km on the road which has connected three communities of Toru Orua, Angalabiri, and Ofoni.

Emonyon also noted the challenges of funding from the state government and that the contractor could deliver the project within the next two years with adequate funding.

Emonyon said, “We can deliver in shortest possible time depending on all the factors. Work is going on. Even sand filling is being done from the Ekeremor end.

“In the next two years, we can finish it with adequate funding. Although, a lot of things have changed now in terms of cost of building materials, that may warrant variation.

“The company has a cordial relationship with host communities. We have enjoyed peace working here with no incidence of kidnapping so far.”

It was a similar scenario at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex, the renovation work appears to be slow.

According to the Chief Security Officer to the Project, Mr. Teddy Bali, all the civil engineering work had been done and installation of the synthetic grass is expected to commence anytime soon.

He also said that the project was suffering from funding, the major reason it has not been completed.

The renovation of the sports complex was expected to be completed last year.

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