The Bayelsa governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Udengs Eradiri, has criticised claims by Governor Douye Diri that he spent N30 billion to complete the 10.2km phase two of the Glory Drive dual carriageway.

Mr Eradiri wondered how the road project, which former Governor Seriake Dickson almost completed, could cost N30 billion.

He recalled that while former Governor Timipre Sylva completed the clearing component of the project, Mr Dickson carried out the sand-filling aspect, and Mr Diri was expected to asphalt the road.

The Labour Party candidate spoke at his residence in Yenagoa on Wednesday after receiving officials of the U.S. Consulate, led by the consulate’s political/economic section chief, Mike Elvin.

Mr Eradiri said the implication was that Mr Diri spent N3 billion to construct each kilometre of the road, stating that the governor’s administration lacked transparency and accountability.

Mr Eradiri asked the governor to disclose the total cost of other projects he started with an “ill-fated motive to brighten his chances at the poll.”

“Is this N30 billion part of the money that was spent from inception or the one they just used to tile that road? It means that one kilometre cost N3 billion. There is something wrong going on here. Somebody needs to explain to Bayelsa people how in 10km, you spent N30 billion on a road you did not sand-fill,” he stated.

“If you tell us that you spent N30 billion in that place, then we need to know how much you spent in Ekeremor for a road that was practically done by the former administration,” added the Labour Party gubernatorial candidate. “This clarity needs to be done for us to know who we are dealing with. If we have somebody who is squandering our resources, they should come and tell us.”

Mr Diri, who disclosed the cost of the 10.2km road during its inauguration, attributed it to contractual litigation.

The governor explained that the initial contractor had taken the Bayelsa government to court for alleged breach of contract. Mr Diri said the government opted for an out-of-court settlement and awarded another project to the original contractor, who completed the project. 

(NAN)