Niger Delta under-development caused by project duplication, multiplication – Akpabio
The minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Godswill Akpabio, has singled out project duplication and multiplication by government agencies in the Niger Delta as reasons for the underdevelopment of the region.
Consequently, he introduced the Strategic Implementation Work Plan (SIWP) to checkmate the practice.
Presenting the plan in Abuja, the minister explained that the web-based monitoring system would allow citizens to view projects being carried out in the region by both public and private organizations.
Besides, he said the accountability process will enable citizens know the organisation implementing a particular project in their environs and thereby hold them responsible for delivery.
“You will recall that I have at several fora, expressed my displeasure at the manner development initiatives were being implemented in the Niger Delta.
“It is such that two or more agencies would be working separately on a single infrastructural project, with the same reflecting and being appropriately funded in their respective budgets. SIWP would surely put an end to this era,” he said
He further said that the rationalised programming of joint work— planning and reinforced coordination of intervention would by no means eliminate wastages of resources in a bid to develop the region.
“The SIWP e-portal currently contains over 400 projects of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and the Niger Delta Development Commission, already uploaded and visible to the public.
“The potential and benefits of SIWP are enormous for the Niger Delta region. This is expected to become more visible and effective when the projects and programmes of the other critical stakeholders in the region are uploaded and all respective efforts are tracked, using the e-portal,” he said.
The minister therefore appealed to ministries and agencies operating in the Niger Delta Region to bring their projects and programmes on-board SIWP e-portal to ensure that the desired development of the region is achieved.
He also said future inclusion of other private organisations will be welcomed, as projects and programmes capturing is a continuous process on SIWP.
“In order to reap the benefits highlighted before, we must properly coordinate the developmental and implementation processes to effectively deliver on planned outcome,” he added.
(News Gazette)
Photo Credit: Getty Images
