Years Of Delay Spark Road Blockade, As Bayelsa Govt Blames NDDC For Akenfa Bridge Mess
Bayelsa State Government has officially distanced itself from the long-delayed Akenfa Bridge project, declaring it is no longer their responsibility amid escalating community unrest.
The Mbiama Yenagoa Road was recently blocked by angry residents frustrated over years of stalled construction.
According to Hon. (Mrs.) Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Bayelsa State, explained that the project was initially awarded to Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2000, later handed over to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and despite a brief transfer to the state government in 2023, was reverted back to NDDC for completion.
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She added that the government condemned the community’s protest as misdirected and politically motivated, given ongoing Prosperity ASSURED projects in the area, noting that officials urge residents to halt disruptions and promised to engage NDDC to prevent further delays.
The commissioner added that the standoff highlights bitter tensions between community demands and government accountability as pressure mounts to complete this vital infrastructure.
The statement reads”:”The attention of the Bayelsa State Government has been drawn to the recent blockage of Mbiama Yenagoa Road at Akenfa by the community over delay in the completion of Akenfa Bridge after several years of award.
“The public is aware that Contract for the Akenfa Bridge was first awarded by Shell Petroleum Development Company in 2000. The Project was later taken over by the Niger Delta Development Commission. In 2023, due to the long delay of the NDDC to complete the project and the concern by the plight of the residents at that corridor of the state capital, the State Government requested NDDC to handover the bridge and some other critical projects in Bayelsa State to the Government in order to facilitate their completion.
“The Niger Delta Development Commission acceded to the State Government request to hand-over the project in 2023. However, the NDDC after discussion with the State Government later reviewed its stance and the Akenfa Bridge was reverted to the NDDC for completion.
“As it stands, the project is the responsibility of the Niger Delta Development Commission and not the Bayelsa State Government. The leadership of Akenfa is aware of this development
“Therefore, the obstruction of Mbiama /Yenagoa Road in protest against the state Government over the Akenfa Bridge was ill-advised and misdirected. It is also surprising to see the community leaders accused the government of abandonment in view of ongoing Prosperity ASSURED sponsored projects in the community. Government is disappointed that the community leadership is playing politics with their community’s development.
“However, the state Government has taken note of the concern of Akenfa Community and would engage the NDDC to ensure that the Bridge does not suffer any further delay.
“Government strongly advises the Akenfa Community to exercise restraint and desist from further protest that could undermine the freedom of movement of residents while a progressive approach is being adopted to ensure the completion of the Akenfa Bridge. “
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