Okowa Seeks Communities’ Involvement In NDDC Projects

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, has urged the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to involve the various communities in the state in project planning and execution.
Okowa made the call when the Chairman of NDDC, Senator Victor Ndoma Egba led the management of the commission on a visit to the governor in Asaba.
Okowa, said that the siting of meaningful projects in the region could only be achieved when the actual needs of the people of the area were considered.
“I want to welcome the spirit of partnership and we are ready to cooperate with you on the development of the Niger Delta.
“The state and your agency need this cooperation to help our people, we need to create room for the contribution of the people in project planning and execution.
“l want to call for proper monitoring of projects, especially road projects, and the need to strengthen and fund the department for quality delivery because this is important in the execution of projects,” he said, adding  that, the state government would partner with NDDC on the proposed construction of the Bomadi-Escravos – Okenrenkoko road.
He, however, advised the agency to collaborate with the Senate Committee on Niger Delta on the funding of NDDC projects.
Earlier, Ndoma Egba, said that the commission was ready to embark on joint venture projects with member states in the spirit of partnership.
He said that, the delegation was in the state to solicit the support and partnership of the state government on reforms of the NDDC and urged the Federal Government to re-constitute the Advisory and Project Monitoring Committees of the commission to improve accountability, transparency, cooperation and partnership.
The chairman said that the commission would soon construct a fiber optic network in the region to deepen internet penetration and speed and called for the establishment of a Niger Delta Development Bank to carter for development of the area beyond oil.