Bayelsa Set For World Bank-Backed Portable Water Project

Bayelsa State has successfully met the World Bank’s assessment requirements for the provision of potable water in Yenagoa, the state capital, and neighbouring communities.

Hotnews reports that Governor Douye Diri disclosed this on Wednesday at the 196th State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Yenagoa, describing the development as “good news” for Bayelsans.

The Governor said the World Bank, in collaboration with state government officials, would commence geo-mapping of Yenagoa and some surrounding communities as part of plans for the deployment of water infrastructure and sensitisation of residents.

Governor Diri noted that alongside ongoing efforts to provide stable electricity and improve road infrastructure, the delivery of potable water would address some of the basic requirements for sustainable development and economic growth.

He said his administration was laying the foundation for private sector investment by investing in critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, roads, schools and healthcare facilities.

The Governor stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving industrialisation, noting that government could not be the best businessman in every sector.

Governor Diri therefore urged Bayelsans to identify and take advantage of the economic opportunities that the improving infrastructure and business environment would create, noting that investors from outside the state could sometimes recognise opportunities before the people of the state themselves.

Meanwhile, Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWDs) honoured Governor Diri with an Award of Excellence for Disability Inclusion.

The award, presented by the Commissioner for Women, Child Empowerment and Social Development, Mrs. Joanna Gigi, recognised the governor’s commitment to promoting inclusion and improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.

According to the commissioner, the governor’s signing of the Persons Living with Disabilities Law 2026 represented a significant milestone in advancing disability rights and inclusion in Bayelsa.

The PLWDs also commended the administration for appointing 40 persons with disabilities into government positions and employing more than 20 physically challenged persons into the state civil service under its Assured Prosperity Agenda.

The recognition further underscored the administration’s emphasis on inclusive governance and ensuring that persons with disabilities are given opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 5, August, 2026