AMID plans to reduce traffic congestion on Aba/PortHarcourt expressway, the Rivers State government has commissioned the Abuloma – Woji road worth N13.6 billion.

The initial cost of the project that was awarded to JDP Construction Nigeria Limited in 2009 was N3.5 billion. However, as a result of changes in design and scope of work, the cost of the road with a dual carriageway of 1.672 kilometers rose to N13.6 billion.

The project also has a bridge of about 207.5metres long, and 20 meters road width with a total of 63 beams.

The road is one of the major road projects that was inherited by the present administration from former Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s administration but was not completed.

Speaking at commissioning of the project in Port Harcourt last week, Governor Nyesom Wike described the road as very significant, noting that the project was designed rightly to reduce traffic congestion on Aba/PortHarcourt express road.

He reiterated that his administration would not allow projects meant for the people of the state to be abandoned irrespective of the administration that started it.

According to Wike, “ Never again, will we allow projects meant for the people to be abandoned just because we did not award it. I will never do any project that will be abandoned. No part of the state will be neglected in the infrastructure renewal programme of my administration.

“It doesn’t matter what political parties you belong to.  Once a government is formed, it works for everyone”, Governor Wike said.

While assuring that the contractors would be mobilized to site again by January to construct a flyover along the Woji axis, the governor urged communities to always provide a peaceful environment for contractors to complete ongoing project.

He regretted that bad roads has crippled business activities in the area but assured that his administration will in 2016 construction more roads that would alleviate the sufferings of the people and improve their livelihoods.

The State Commissioner for Works, Kelvin Wachukwu explained that the 1.672kilometre road was inherited at the earthwork and filing stage before Governor Wike carried out the completion of the road, including; sidewalls, median, toll point, the median and 275 meters bridge.

He noted that the road is very strategic as it would not only reduce traffics along Aba /Port Harcourt road but that it links to Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The Commissioner further stated that, the road would provide significant traffic relief to the entire industrial areas of Trans Amadi, Ndorama Petrochemicals Company Limited, the refineries, Notore Fertilizer Company and most critically, the Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone.

He described the above industrial establishments as very critical to the economic well being of the state and the country at large.

Wachukwu said, “ With the completion and commissioning of this special road project by the present administration in the state, the usual challenges in heavy loss of man hours and revenue resulting from traffic gridlock, which naturally slows down movement of people, goods and services will now be a thing of the past”.

Also, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Mr. Samuel Ejekwu, expressed joy that the project would decongest the city of Port Harcourt, as many people would now have free access to other neighbouring Councils and cities.

He said, “ this road will decongest Port Harcourt city, it will provide alternative route along Eastern axis of Port Harcourt from eastern by-pass through Dr. Peter Odili road, through Abuloma to Woji and from thence to East West road by Akpajo through Elelenwo”.

He lauded   Governor Wike for completing the road, which according to him has rekindled the hopes and dreams of the people for a thriving business.

Meanwhile, Governor Wike has commissioned the Obonomma -Abonnema link road with Bridge and Eagle Island -Iloabuchi link road.