Rivers communities rejoice as Fubara rehabilitate deplorable road 10 years after

Communities in the Okania-Ogbogoro in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, have expressed joy over the construction of their deplorable road, by Governor Siminalayi Fubara 10 years after it was impassable.

Leaders of the communities showed their joy on Thursday when the Governor led the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, to inaugurate the road project.

Speaking on behalf of the Communities, Chief James Chukwu Okah, spokesman of Numbicho community in Ogbogoro, said, the road construction is one of the best things that happened to the Egbelu people and the entire St. John area.

He said, “It is over 10 years of the deplorable situation of the road when the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) worked it ones and abandoned it, the road became impassable due to lack of drainages but today, we are happy as the State Governor has fixed it”

To the governor, he expressed happiness, saying, “I’m overjoyed because this has alleviated our sufferings and open doors for businesses to thrive

Also, Victoria Awaha, a female tenant in the area, said the road construction has solved several problems for the people.

She said, “The road was not passable. If you are coming back you will find it difficult especially when it rains to use this road but the story is different today.

“When I came here, the road was bad and has been in deplorable state since then until now, so we are grateful to the governor for giving attention to our needs, it has opened opportunities for us to sail”

Meanwhile, the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has reassured the commitment of his administration to render quality service that will improve the quality of life of residents, and strengthen the platform to promote unity.

The governor spoke at the Okania-Ogbogoro Road junction, venue of the inauguration of the 6.55km Okania-Ogbogoro-Mgbaraja (and Mgbuoba) Roads project in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area .

The road cuts across Okania community through Ogbogoro, and connects Port Harcourt Ring Road project under construction, and was inaugurated by the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas.

Governor Fubara said that during the campaigns, he saw the roads in terrible condition, made a promise to fix them, and noted that that promise has been kept.

He emphasised that his administration will never be reckoned with abandoning projects that it started, which is why he is particularly excited that the road has been fixed to ease the inconveniences suffered by the people.

The governor said, “What we are doing here today is very simple: Promise made, promise fulfilled. I told you that whatever we are going to start, we are not going to leave it halfway. So, we have come here this afternoon to fulfil that promise.

“I am so excited, and I am so happy. I am leaving here with so much joy that we have done something that has so much impact, and importance in the lives of our people. So, I feel very fulfilled. Government is about the people. Government is knowing, understanding and seeing what you can do to make life easy for your people.

“We understand the situation of this road. Fortunately, I have a few friends who also live around here. So, there is nothing you will say that I don’t know. As a government, we will continue to do those things we know will make life easy for you.”

The governor thanked members of the communities in the area for their support to his administration, and also for cooperating with the contractor to ensure completion of the project.

He assured the people that their request for the rehabilitation of the Community Secondary School and Health Centre, will be looked at and addressed immediately, saying, “Our government is a government that takes the interest of our people very seriously.

“There is no government without the people. It is only the people that keep the government going. So, what we will continue to do is to make sure that the problems and interests of our people are top on our list,” he assured.

Performing the inauguration, Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, said roads are not just physical infrastructure but represent a commitment to facilitate ease of transportation, boost local commercial activities and improve quality of lives for the people of Rivers State.

Dr Kefas noted that Governor Fubara has provided the people good roads, and like other good roads, it will serve as an artery of development, further connecting communities, enhancing access to essential services while unlocking economic potentials.

He said, “By completing this project, Your Excellency has, once again, demonstrated the transformative impact of visionary leadership. When I was coming in with the Governor on a ride, I saw the joy, the happiness of the voiceless people who were abandoned and neglected in this area, coming out to wave and welcome us.

“It wasn’t a hired crowd. Everybody, those who couldn’t make it to this place, in front of their homes, they were waving at us, and I was telling the Governor: this is all about good governance. He listened to the people, and solved their problems. So, it shows that he is doing the right thing, and I want to thank you, my brother, for what you are doing for the good people, especially the poor people even in difficult times.”

Governor Kefas further said: “As we celebrate this milestone, I am reminded of the importance of collaboration and shared vision among us as Governors. Together, we can inspire our people, improve their lives, and create lasting legacies in our respective states.”

Providing the project description, the State Commissioner for Works, Barrister Elloka Tasie-Amadi, recalled that when it was flagged-off in May, 2024, the project was for a 5km stretch but was extended in October, to include Mgbaraja axis, increasing the length to 6.55km, explaining that the 10.3 meter wide, and 5km of drains road, has now linked Apara Kingdom to Nkpor Kingdom.

In his address, Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Amb Chijioke Ihunwo, described the road as a very significant route that was abandoned for years until Governor Fubara intervened and fixed it, promising that Obio/Akpor people will not take the gestures of the State Government under Governor Fubara for granted.

Speaking on behalf of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the firm that handled the project, Eric Shen, said they are happy to be part of the infrastructure development strides of Governor Fubara, stating that though the rains posed significant challenge, they have delivered quality road network to serve the connectivity needs of the people.