Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the Trans-Kalabari road project, which is about 75 per cent completed in the critical piling work, will be delivered on time.

Governor Fubara stated this after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.

The governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, through the rivers and creeks along the project route, during the inspection.

The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited on May 15, 2024, with an initial completion timeline of 32 months.

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 per cent of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.

He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state, given its challenging marine terrain, but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.

Governor Fubara, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, stated 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, once 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.

Governor Fubara assured the people of Rivers that his administration remains 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,” he added.

A few days ago, Governor Fubara touched on the ongoing peace efforts in the state, which are gradually yielding the desired results, insisting that genuine development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.

The governor made the remarks at a civic reception in honour of the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, held at Government Secondary School by Akabuka community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).

He said he was encouraged by growing signs of unity and reconciliation across the state, and urged citizens to embrace peace fully so that development projects can flourish.