Lagos — Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chibuzo Ugwoha, has charged contractors to rise up to the occasion and ensure speedy completion of projects, in line with President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua's resolve to implement the post amnesty programme.

Ugwoha, while speaking to newsmen in his office in Port Harcourt, River State, assured contractors that efforts are being geared towards ensuring that bottlenecks which in the past had caused inaccessibility to funds from banks, are removed.

Ugwoha said it is regrettable that despite provision of funds by the Commission through the banks, most contractors face difficulties in accessing the funds, as most of the banks usually apply stringent conditions, thereby slowing the pace of development.

He urged the banks to support the Federal Government in ensuring speedy development of the region by providing easy accessibility to funds, as contractors have barely four months in a year to engage in construction works, because of the rainy season.

Ugwoha restated the sincerity of President Yar'Adua in developing the Niger Delta region and urged the people to be patient, as the NDDC had been re-positioned for greater challenges.