House of Representatives Directs Investigation into Abandoned NDDC Project in Bayelsa
By Dave Ikiedei Asei
24/05/2024
The Nigerian House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to conduct a thorough investigation into the abandonment of the Opokuma Clean Erosion Protection project in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Bayelsa State. This decision was taken during the plenary session on Thursday following the adoption of a motion presented by Hon. Abonsizibe Oboku.
Background of the Motion
In his motion, Hon. Oboku highlighted the core mission of the NDDC, which is to address the socio-economic challenges of the Niger Delta region and to foster its sustainable development. He recalled that the NDDC, in May 2004, awarded a contract for shoreline protection in the Opokuma Kingdom to Jide Agboola of Dredging Atlantic Ltd., in response to severe erosion problems affecting the area.
Issues with the Contract
Hon. Oboku underscored the troubling reputation of Dredging Atlantic Ltd., noting that the company has a history of abandoning projects. He cited a report from The Guardian newspaper dated October 6, 2015, which detailed how the company had previously abandoned a similar NDDC project in Aiyetoro Community, Ilaje Council Area, Ondo State. In that instance, the company reportedly received a mobilization fee of N2.5 billion out of the N6.5 billion contract sum but failed to complete the project.
Current State of the Opokuma Project
Almost two decades since the contract was awarded, the Opokuma shoreline protection project remains unfinished. This has led to recurring erosion issues severely impacting the area, which consists of ten communities. Hon. Oboku highlighted that Ayakoroama Community has been completely washed away, and Orubiri Community has also suffered significant damage.
Consequences of the Abandonment
The abandonment of the project has had dire consequences, including the loss of lives and property. Hon. Oboku expressed deep concern over the failure of both the contractor and the NDDC to fulfill the contract's objectives, which were aimed at preventing such disasters.
Legislative Action
In light of these issues, the House of Representatives has directed the NDDC Committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the abandonment of the Opokuma Clean Erosion Protection project. The committee is tasked with determining the reasons for the project's non-completion and assessing the responsibility of both the contractor and the NDDC.
The committee is expected to present its findings and recommendations to the House within four weeks, at which point further legislative actions will be considered.
0 Comments