Edith CHUKU
The Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said that the Trans-Kalabari Road, when completed, will connect the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, as well as stimulate economic growth across riverine communities.
Fubara stated this on Monday while expressing satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project.
The governor, while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, revealed that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Fubara rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea, was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved.”
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
The governor assured Rivers people that his administration remained focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment.”
