THE NATION

CONSTRUCTION of the 22-kilometre Igbogene-AIT Outer Ring Road in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, will begin in January, it was learnt on Thursday.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation Ayibaina Duba, his Works and Infrastructure counterpart Moses Teibowei, and Commissioner for Health Dr. Pabara Igwele, addressed reporters after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting.

Teibowei said the project, which was initiated in 2013 by the previous administration, would start in the second week of January. It will cost N22 billion. The project is expected to last 24 months.

Teibowei said phase one of the Edepie-Etegwe roundabout expansion project is almost completed while phase two, which involves the building of a retaining wall and sand filling near the Etegwe bridge, would begin soon.

According to him, the project would prevent encroachment and illegal trading on government’s right-of-way, beautify and make the place motor-able.

Igwele added that civil servants, political appointees, and government functionaries should go for testing in light of the second wave of COVID-19.

He added that the council also directed that active cases be searched out, especially in Yenagoa, the state capital. Bars, night clubs, event and recreational centres, restaurants and hotels are also directed to comply with safety protocols.

The commissioner urged the people to restrict attendance at events (weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars end of year parties, religious gatherings) to 50 persons.