Edith CHUKU
Barely one month after resumption of official duties following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has returned to the path of governance and development, ensuring the completion of projects it started.
On October 7, Fubara visited Emohua Local Government Area, and the Kalabari Kingdom for an inspection tour of two critical road projects ; the 19.7km Buguma–Abalama–Tema–Degema–Abonnema Road, with seven bridges; and the 9.7km Emohua–Ogbakiri–Egbelu Road, which connects about six communities.
Three days after, the governor was at another project site where he gave the construction company, Raffoul Nigeria Limited, one month ultimatum to complete the 6.5-kilometre Woji–Aleto–Alesa–Refinery Road.
On October 13, he carried out an on-site inspection tour where he reassured the people of the state of his administration’s commitment to the completion of the 62.650km Port Harcourt Ring Road project which traverses six local government areas.
Among other inspections made was the Monday tour of the 12.5-kilometre Trans-Kalabari road project, awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, where the governor expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded and reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver on schedule.
Most recent was the governor’s visit on Tuesday, to the ongoing construction of the 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road in Andoni local government.
Fubara described the project as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory.”
Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
