The Rivers State Government has earmarked N50 billion for the implementation of the new Port Harcourt master plan and Greater Port Harcourt City project.

Governor Chibuike Amaechi stated this while presenting the Bill to members of the Rivers State House of Assembly in Port Harcourt last week.

He informed the House that an international firm had produced a master plan for the capital city and the new Greater Port Harcourt City, and that his government is sold on the idea and determined to implement the new master plan.

Amaechi said: "To this end, government will establish a Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority charged with the responsibility of implementing the master plan. We have set aside N50 billion this year to fund the project. Let me assure you all, that at the end of this exercise, we will have a world class city that will be clean, green, orderly and a delight for us to live in."

The governor, however, said that one of the most painful programmes of his administration has been the demolition of illegal structures within the capital city which has generated negative feelings in those affected by it.

"In the days ahead, more people will be required to make some sacrifices. We engaged the services of an international firm to produce a master plan for Port Harcourt and the new Greater Port Harcourt City. They have produced a master plan for Port Harcourt and the new city," said Amaechi.

He also said that to arrest the continuing deterioration of infrastructure in the educational sector, the state government has also embarked on the construction of 250 model primary schools and 23 international standard secondary schools.

He stated that the relocation and construction of a multibillion new ultra modem Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) will begin in the first quarter of the year.

Throwing light on road infrastructure provision, he said his administration has started a massive rural road construction programme across the state based on his commitment towards ensuring the construction of standard roads across the state.

In a related development, the governor said plans have been concluded to award contracts for the dualisation of three roads in the Diobu area of the capital city namely, Iloabuchi, Ojoto and Azikiwe roads by March which would be followed almost immediately in April with the award of contract for the laying of water pipes, according to Governor Rotimi Amechi.

The governor also disclosed that water pipes would be buried underground and appealed to residents for understanding, promising to give compensation to owners of structures to be affected by the demolition.

He pledged to check flooding in the state capital, Port Harcourt, saying this may result in the shifting of some fences but that his government would be prepared to pay compensation on all structures that may be demolished for the road expansion. "You should bear the pain as I am managing to bear the pain in my conscience, but it is a necessary duty I must do for every body," he said.