Fubara Raises Alarm Over Early Damage to Newly Commissioned Ndele Road, Bridge
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Owen Ochala
Location: Ndele, Emohua Local Government Area, Rivers State
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed concern over visible damage to parts of the newly constructed Ndele-Agba/Ndele-Otari-Omaraka Road and Bridge shortly after the project was commissioned.
Governor Fubara raised the concern on Wednesday during the commissioning ceremony of the road and bridge project, which connects communities in Emohua and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
The Governor, who expressed disappointment over the condition of some portions of the newly completed infrastructure, urged residents and local authorities to take greater responsibility for protecting public assets.
He specifically charged the chairmen of Emohua and Abua/Odual Local Government Areas to ensure that the road and bridge are adequately protected and maintained, stressing that infrastructure provided with public funds must be preserved for the benefit of present and future generations.
Fubara said the project would improve transportation and connectivity for communities along the corridor, particularly by reducing the time residents spend travelling to Port Harcourt and other parts of Rivers State.
According to him, improved road access would also stimulate economic activities by making it easier for residents to move agricultural produce, goods and services between communities and major urban centres.
The Governor also commended the host communities for their cooperation during the construction period.
He noted that the peaceful disposition and support provided by the communities contributed to the successful completion of the project, while urging residents to continue protecting government infrastructure in their areas.
The newly commissioned road and bridge form an important transport link between parts of Emohua and Abua/Odual LGAs. The project is expected to improve access to several communities that have historically faced transportation challenges.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, thanked Governor Fubara for approving and completing the road and bridge project.
Lloyd described the intervention as significant to the people of the area, saying the improved road network would enhance movement and create opportunities for economic and social development.
The council chairman also commended the Governor for approving the outcome of the recently conducted biometric exercise in Emohua Local Government Area.
However, Lloyd used the occasion to appeal to the Governor to extend the biometric exercise to local government retirees.
He said including retirees in the exercise would help address administrative and verification challenges affecting pensioners and potentially improve the process of managing their records and entitlements.
The commissioning of the Ndele-Agba/Ndele-Otari-Omaraka Road and Bridge marks another infrastructure intervention aimed at improving connectivity within Rivers State.
The road links communities around Ndele and neighbouring areas, including settlements in Abua/Odual Local Government Area. Publicly available listings also identify Ndele among communities in Emohua and Otari and Omaraka among settlements in Abua/Odual.
The early concerns about damage, however, have placed renewed emphasis on the need for effective maintenance and community ownership of public infrastructure.
For residents who stand to benefit from the project, sustained protection of the road and bridge will be critical to ensuring that the infrastructure delivers its intended benefits over the long term.
The project is expected to strengthen transportation links, facilitate commercial activities and improve access between rural communities and major population centres in Rivers State.
