Rivers LG caretaker chairman halts NDDC project

Evans Bipi, Chairman of the Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area Caretaker Committee in Rivers State, has directed the immediate halt of construction on a multi-purpose town project, citing non-compliance with the area’s development master plan.

The multi-purpose town project was launched by Chief Boma Iyaye, Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

According to Bipi, the developer failed to secure the necessary approval from the local government council before commencing the project, a requirement he deemed essential.

During an on-the-spot assessment of some projects in Ogu-Bolo LGA, Bipi stated that the project was sited at the wrong location, noting that the land belongs to the community.

“This land belongs to the community. As the CTC Chairman of Ogu-Bolu local government area, I am also the Chief Security Officer. All lands are in my custody in trust for the people according to the bylaws that regulate customary land. This is the only land we have in this new layout, a new sand-filled area which is fast developing. We don’t have any other playground.”

This area in the allocation is green. It is an open area for a recreational centre for ceremonies and all that. But as the Chief Security Officer, I am not aware of the project. I am also not aware that this is the site for the project. Looking at the edifice, this land cannot befit that project,” Bipi stated.

However, Bipi indicated that the council is receptive to negotiating with the developer to find an alternative location that complies with the area’s development master plan.