Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has condemned the neglect of critical public infrastructure, describing it as “outrageous” and detrimental to the state’s development.
Speaking on Saturday after inspecting the underutilised Rivers State Cassava Processing Company Limited in Oyigbo Local Government Area and the abandoned Rumu-Woji Mile One Market complex in Port Harcourt, Ibas expressed concern over the facilities’ deteriorating condition.
The market, commissioned about five years ago, has remained locked, with zinc roofing sheets, ceilings and electrical fittings damaged or falling apart. The cassava processing plant, located along the Afam/Ban-Ogoi link road, has yet to reach optimal productivity.
“Government has committed much resources to provide these facilities to create wealth, drive development and generate employment,” Ibas said. “If there are issues preventing them from running, we as a people must take ownership and protect what belongs to us.”
The administrator warned that the state may have to divert funds from other pressing needs to rehabilitate the idle projects and promised to prioritise them for urgent intervention. He also appealed to residents to safeguard public assets for the benefit of all.
