With the approval given to Rivers State Government by the State House of Assembly to borrow N15bn to support the provision of critical infrastructure, the state can now participate in the Central Bank of Nigeria Infrastructure Development Intervention Facility Fund.
The approval followed a letter from the Governor to the State House of Assembly for the funding of critical infrastructures in the state.
Speaker Ikuinyi-Owaji Ibani in his remarks during plenary had said it was very important to access the 15 billion naira loan, noting that the Rivers State Government under the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike, would continue to work for the interest of Rivers people.
He regretted that the outbreak of Covid-19 changed the face of the world, crippled the world Economy, and made it difficult for states to survive ñoting that the N15bn intervention facility fund would help improve growth of the State.
The Majority leader Martin Amaewhule, Deputy Speaker Edison Ehie among other lawmakers said the approval became necessary to allow the state access fund just like other states did for the betterment of the people.
The House also approved the request by the state Governor Bar. Nyesom Wike to access N2.5bn facility fund Central Bank of Nigeria to improve healthcare delivery in the state.
Speaker Ikuinyi Owaji Ibani in his submission said the approval became necessary to enhance medical services in the state, while the Deputy Speaker, Edison Ehie and Majority Leader, Martin Amaewhule
said that the state needed the funds because it would put the state in the world map especially in the treatment of cancer in the state.
Meanwhile, the House has setup a joint committee on Environment and Health to conduct a public hearing over a bill for a law, to amend the Rivers State Environmental Protection and Management Law.
The bill which when passed into law would check excesses of the activities of illegal refineries and other environmental hazards in the State has 6 year jail term for those found wanting without any option of bail.
