The Rivers State Government has called on residents to take active responsibility in safeguarding and effectively utilising government-provided development projects designed to enhance their socioeconomic well-being.
The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Retired) Ibok-Ete Ibas, made the appeal during an inspection tour of key state facilities, including the Rivers Cassava Processing Company Limited on the Afam/Ban-Ogoi link road in Oyigbo Local Government Area and the Rumu-Woji Mile One Market in Port Harcourt Local Government Area.
Accompanied by Mr. Temple Chijioke, General Manager of the Rivers Cassava Processing Company, and Mr. Wakama Boma, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Administrator Ibas assessed the state of the facilities and expressed concern over their underutilisation and state of disrepair despite significant government investment.
“If there are issues causing these facilities not to function optimally, we as a people must take ownership and ensure their protection because they belong to us,” Ibas stated.
He stressed that rehabilitating neglected infrastructure would divert funds from other critical development needs, urging residents to adopt a proactive approach in preserving public assets.
The Administrator pledged immediate attention to urgent repairs while reiterating the importance of community partnership in maintaining projects meant to drive employment, wealth creation, and overall development across the state.
He therefore called on stakeholders, including local leaders and beneficiaries, to collaborate with the government in ensuring the sustainability of these initiatives for the collective benefit of Rivers State.
PIAK