By Samuel OYADONGHA, Yenagoa
Bayelsa State government has sought the approval of the state House of Assembly to spend the State Reserve Balance of N750million to complete over nine capital projects.

Governor Timipre Sylva in a letter to the assembly said the approval being sought will enable the state government to complete projects on ground.

The letter signed by Sylva which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Werinipre Seibarugu, said the approval being sought from the House will allow the state government to complete the highlighted projects to convince the President to visit his home state and show that the President’s presidential aspiration in 2011 is considered based on the performance of the present administration in the state.

The governor was also quoted as saying that though the considered capital projects, including the cottage hospital, the gas turbine and over nine water schemes in the three senatorial district of the state, were at 85 per cent completion stage, the completion of the project is targeted at reclaiming public confidence in the present administration in the state.

In the letter, Sylva stated that “the visit of the President is scheduled for August and there is the need to complete certain projects in order to change the perception of the people about the administration and immortalise the good works of the President in the state.

“You will recollect that the President has visited four states of the country except his home state Bayelsa.”

We need your approval for the completion of 13 water scheme including the water scheme in Oloibiri in Ogbia local council, the gas turbine, the 200 Mass Transit Buses.”

He also informed the House that the fund is provided for in the 2010 budget and will erase the campaign of calumny against the state government.

The leader of the House, Hon. Nadu Karibo, while commenting on the letter of the state governor, urged his colleague to support the present administration in its quest to complete projects in the state.

“It is not out of place if the government dips its fingers in the state reserve fund. It is not to be spent on public expenditure but on capital projects. It is kept for moments like this. Some of these projects will create employment opportunity for our youths,” he said.

Hon. Nadu Karibo also moved a motion for the House of Assembly to approve the request of the state governor and it was seconded by the member representing Sagbama Constituency, Hon. Imomotimi Fanama.