Simeon
Nwakaudu
One
of the key commitments that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike made during
his campaigns ahead of the 2015 General Election is the completion of
the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road which links the riverine
communities to the mainland.
Governor
Wike stated that what the former Commissioner of Works, Mr Dakuku
Peterside, an indigene of Opobo Town, failed to do for his people,
will be achieved in the course of his first term.
On
November 16, 2016, Governor Wike made good his promise. He flagged
off the completion of the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road.
The
road, which was initiated by former Governor Peter Odili, was
abandoned by immediate past Governor Rotimi Amaechi .
Flagging
off the completion of the Ogoni Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road ,
Governor Wike assured the people of Andoni and Opobo-Nkoro that
before the end of his first term, they will be driving home to
their respective communities .
He
regretted that the immediate past Amaechi administration despite
getting N20billion to N25billion monthly from the Federation Account
, failed to embark on meaningful developmental projects .
He
assured that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road will be
consistently funded because his administration remains committed
to the economic development of the riverine communities .
He
said: “This road is a major economic intervention for the riverine
communities of Opobo and Andoni Local Government Areas. It also
cuts across Khana Local Government Area.
“This
project is a major empowerment scheme for the people of these three
local government areas. Our people in the riverine communities can
now drive home.
“I
am happy that the 2015 APC Governorship candidate who was a Works
Commissioner, but refused to construct the road to his home local
government area, will now drive home”.
This
project has become one of the major highpoints of the Wike
administration. The contractor, Raffoul Nigeria Limited is working
round the clock to ensure the actualization of the governor’s
pledge.
Funding
has been consistent. So far, rural dwellers have been empowered
through regular sub-contracts, direct and indirect employment by the
contractor.
On
the Opobo axis at the Nkoro Junction, the contractors have laid
asphalt up to Bridge Number 7, which is approximately four
kilometres. Work has been completed along this section.
After
bridge 7, the contractors are heading towards bridge 8 . The span
of bridge 8 is 1600metres long. Work has reached 300 metres away from
the position of bridge 8.
Bush
clearing work towards bridge 8 has reached advanced stage and it will
be completed in two weeks. For now, bush clearing has reached the
creek crossing into Opobo Town.
From
the bridge to Kalaibiama, the contractor is embarking on extensive
earthworks and piling with sharp sand.
With
the consistency of work and the delivery of culverts, roads and
asphalts, the contractors will enter into Opobo town between June and
July, 2018.
For
the Andoni axis, from the Nkoro Junction, asphalting has gone beyond
five kilometres up to Bridge 3. The contractors have done quality
stone base.
The
road is expected to reach Ngo town, the headquarters of Andoni Local
Government Area between June and July, 2018.
Governor
Wike remains committed to state-wide development, carrying every
ethnic nationality along in the growth process.
For
the people of Opobo-Nkoro and Andoni Local Government Areas, the
Unity Road remains a vital source of economic opportunities. The
roads will kick-start multiple economic activities, especially small
and medium scale enterprises.
The
fact that the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity Road links the
all-important Sakpenwa-Bori Road makes access to Port Harcourt easier
for businesses in the two local government areas.
For
Governor Wike, the main goal is to improve the living condition of
Rivers people, enhance their security and transform their
environment.
Nwakaudu
is Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike’s Special Assistant
(Broadcast).
www.thenationonlineng.net
