By Samuel OYADONGHA
The hope of the people of Agge community seeing their community transform into an economic hub received a boost last week, following the presentation of the survey report for the proposed deep sea port in the area by the Nigerian Army Engineers Corps to the Bayelsa State Government.
Agge is a predominantly fishing community on the Atlantic fringe of Bayelsa State in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The Deep Seaport SweetCrude learnt, is to occupy an area of about eight thousand hectares, which is an increase from the initial seven thousand proposed for the facility which will not launch the community on the fast lane of development but the entire Ekeremor council area.
Presenting the survey report in Yenagoa, the state governor, Seriake Dickson said the plan by the administration to build a word class Deep Seaport in the state was now on course.
”Today, my dear people of Bayelsa State, you are now seeing in real terms, our plans to transform our economy beyond oil and gas. And I have always said that, we are going to spare no effort in utilizing the maritime endowments of the state.
“Our decision to build a world class deep seaport is now on course. What you are seeing today is the beginning of a long journey. I know we still have a long way to go before we have a deep seaport, but then we have started,” Dickson said.
The governor, who noted that the surveyed area, extended over fifteen thousand hectares of land, directed the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, to begin the process of enumeration, as well as computation of the claims and entitlements of the owners of the affected areas, to enable government commence the payment of adequate, fair and prompt compensations as required by law.
He commended the Nigerian Army Engineering Corps for the professional manner it undertook the assignment and expressed delight with the partnership, noting that it was the beginning of what will become a mutually beneficial relationship.
”This is just the beginning of what will be a mutually beneficial long term relationship,” he assured the Nigerian Army.
The governor used the occasion to commend the Chief of Army Staff for diligently carrying out his duties at such a critical stage in the nations’ nascent democracy, describing him as a loyal and hardworking officer.
Earlier, the Commander, Engineers Corps, Nigerian Army, Major Gen. Funso Owonibi, noted that, the assignment has been rewarding adding that the hydrographic survey of the proposed deep seaport will be completed and presented to government.
Gen Owonibi expressed appreciation to the state government for the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, stating that he Army Engineers were carrying out other engineering related assignments in Abia, Anambra and Delta States.
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