By Precious Akutamadu
Vice President Kashim Shettima has commended Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers for transforming the once-deplorable Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road into a modern 33.5-kilometre dual carriageway.
Shettima gave the commendation on Thursday while inaugurating the newly constructed 33.5-kilometre road, which links communities across the Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers.
He described the project as a demonstration of the impact sub-national governments could make through strategic infrastructure development.
The vice president said roads remained critical to national development, describing them as “the most democratic instruments of development” because of their importance to farmers, traders, workers, students and patients.
According to him, the road was previously characterised by deep gullies and security challenges, making movement along the corridor difficult.
He said the transformation of the route into a dual carriageway, illuminated for safer movement during the day and night, had put the unpleasant experiences of commuters behind them.
Shettima said the project would improve the movement of people and goods while expanding economic opportunities for communities along the corridor.
He said the project had also demonstrated Fubara’s commitment to improving infrastructure and the quality of life of Rivers residents.
Fubara in an address, described the Elele-Omoku Road as a signature project and “a promise kept” by his administration.
He said the completion of the road had transformed a corridor previously associated with avoidable loss of man-hours, kidnapping and bunkering into a fast and secure highway.
“For anybody who understands the nature of this road, they will appreciate what we have done here.
It’s not just a project, it’s a statement to show our people that we care for you,” he said.
The governor said the improved road would enable security agencies to operate more effectively along the corridor.
He acknowledged the support of communities along the route, saying their cooperation contributed to the successful completion of the project.
Fubara also expressed appreciation to Shettima for attending the unveiling ceremony, stating that his presence demonstrated that Rivers remained an integral part of Nigeria.
“For a long time, I felt that maybe we’re not part of this country. But today, I feel very happy that our country is also standing by us,” he said.
Earlier, the Rivers Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the project was delivered according to high engineering standards and specifications.
Nwofor said the contract was awarded to Messrs Craneburg Construction Company on March 26, 2024, and included the construction and rehabilitation of 33.5 kilometres of road, six kilometres of drainage and a 99-metre-long by 11-metre-wide bridge at Ubimini.
He added that street lighting was provided along the entire length of the highway.
According to him, the dual carriageway has a width of 7.3 metres on both sides, 50mm asphaltic binder and wearing courses, 1.2-metre concrete shoulders and a 1.4-metre concrete median.
Nwofor said the project represented another significant step in the state government’s efforts to provide durable infrastructure and improve connectivity across the state.
(NAN)
