Stakeholders Seek Sustained Infrastructure Development, Condemn Vandalism In Bayelsa

Stakeholders at the Breakfast Roundtable on Bayelsa Infrastructure Rebirth have called for sustained investment in infrastructure across Bayelsa State, stressing the need to institutionalise ongoing development efforts to ensure long-term growth beyond any administration.

The stakeholders made the call in a communique issued at the end of the roundtable held in Yenagoa on Monday.

In the communique, the host and convener of South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, expressed support for the continued expansion of quality infrastructure across different sectors of the state, describing it as essential for economic growth and improved living standards.

He asserted that there was a need for “further deepening of quality infrastructure development in all spheres of the state.”

Ambakederimo also noted that Bayelsa had continued to witness the execution of major infrastructure projects despite the state’s difficult riverine terrain, which had long been considered a major obstacle to development.

He passed a vote of confidence on the state government’s infrastructure drive, stating that several ambitious projects had challenged the long-held perception that Bayelsa’s terrain made large-scale development impossible.

The convener, however, expressed concern over the increasing cases of vandalism targeting public infrastructure, describing the trend as a threat to development and economic progress.

He particularly condemned the recent attack that disrupted gas supply to a gas turbine facility in the state.

“The conference strongly frowns at the incessant vandalization of critical infrastructure, particularly the recent incident that affected the flow of gas to the Gas Turbine,” he stated.

Ambakederimo urged residents, security agencies and other stakeholders to work together to protect public assets, noting that vandalism undermines investments and delays development.

He also called for the adoption of a sustainable development framework that would preserve ongoing infrastructure projects and ensure continuity irrespective of changes in government.

He said, “The conference calls for concerted efforts to institutionalize a development template arising from the ongoing infrastructure revolution.”

He expressed optimism that sustained investment in roads, public utilities and other critical infrastructure would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and enhance the quality of life of residents across Bayelsa State.