Edith CHUKU
The Director, Environmental Protection and Control of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC, Onuoha Obeka, has revealed the challenges encountered while constructing the 25.7-kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State.
Obeka in a release made available to TNN on Friday by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Pius Ughakpoteni, explained that the road executed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC cuts through swampy terrain.
Recounting the challenges faced, he said, “we are happy that in spite of the challenges, the project connecting about 14 communities in Ogbia-Nembe axis of Bayelsa State, has been completed.
“These communities were hitherto, not accessible by road. This is the first connection between them and the upland and it will boost the socio-economic fortunes of the people.
“The project was an opportunity for the NDDC engineering crew to improve their skills. The challenges we met here were unique, building a road in the mangrove swamp. You will notice that both sides of the road are filled with water. The road was actually built on a sand embankment of 2.5 million cubic metres of sand.”
The NDDC Director added that, “to conquer the swampy terrain, the construction involved digging out four metres of clay soil and sand filling it to provide a base for the road. The project has also seen the use of vertical drains to take away ground water to allow the road to stabilise.”
On his part, the NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, affirmed that the road was ready for inauguration.
Antai explained during an inspection tour that the Ogbia-Nembe road had seven bridges, 53 culverts and spurs to 14 communities.
He said that the Commission had opened discussions with the main contractor, SETRACO, to undertake some minor repairs on the road in preparation for the commissioning ceremony.
Antai, who was accompanied by NDDC directors and engineers, said that the project was not only a flag-ship of intervention in the Niger Delta, but also a model of development partnership between the Commission and International Oil Companies, IOCs, in the region.
The Executive Director stated that the current NDDC Board and Management would not relent in ensuring the completion and commissioning of legacy projects meant to transform the entire Niger Delta region.
“The Ogbia-Nembe Road demonstrates the emphasis we place on high quality job delivery. This is the standard we will maintain for all our road projects. Going forward, we want to extend this to all our projects.
“The Ogbia-Nembe Road was a good example of what could be achieved when development agencies, companies and state governments collaborate. It is a clarion call to all our development partners.”
