The Rivers State Government has allocated the sum of N6.7 billion for the reconstruction of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road, a 5-kilometre stretch in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Port Harcourt, previously neglected by the former administration.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara, alongside Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and other Cabinet members, approved the allocation during the 7th State Executive Council meeting, held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
The decision comes as a relief to residents and commuters, as the road’s deterioration had posed significant traffic challenges, particularly with the ongoing construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road that intersects part of Ozuoba.
Atemea Briggs, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, disclosed that the road project, initially awarded to Nugi Nigeria Limited in 2017, was left unfinished after preliminary works. As a result, the road deteriorated, rendering it completely impassable.
Briggs emphasized that the reconstruction project aims to restore connectivity between Okania and the main Ogbogoro-Ozuoba Road. He noted that due to neglect, major sections of the road, including internal community roads, had collapsed.
In response to public outcry and the pressing need for reconstruction, the State Executive Council approved the allocation of N6.7 billion for the road project. The construction, expected to span five months, will address the critical infrastructure gap.
Additionally, Joseph Johnson, the Commissioner of Information and Communications, announced that the former contract with Nugi Nigeria Limited had been terminated. The project was subsequently re-awarded to China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC). Johnson confirmed that a 40% mobilization fee had been paid to CCECC, with the project’s funding sourced entirely from savings in the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The revival of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road signifies the State Government’s commitment to enhancing transportation infrastructure and improving the overall quality of life for its citizens.
Timipre Abowei