Metro
PH Ring Road: Symbol Of Fubara’s Commitment To New Rivers Vision
For the socio-economic development of any nation, road infrastructure is considered very important as it provides access to markets, jobs, and resources. It is regarded as a critical asset for economies and governments all over the globe because it plays very crucial role in providing mobility for the efficient movement of people and goods, as well as provide accessibility to a wide variety of commercial and social activities. In fact, good road network is an undeniable instrument for connecting people, communities and cities!
Government’s investment in road infrastructure is a big factor in people’s quality of life. It is the backbone and chief driver of socio-economic development, which every country strives to achieve. Roads and bridges, in particular, change the landscapes; increase connectivity, bring societies closer to the outside world, and attract investments from far and wide.
Armed by the saying that ‘good roads make crucial contribution to economic development and growth’, on Monday, July17, 2023, the Rivers State Government took a very bold and courageous initiative by flagging off the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, estimated to cost the government about N195billion. Already, the governor had paid 75percent of the total sum, which is N150billion to Julius Berger.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road project, which is a 50.15km-long dual carriage road with varied widths of between 7.6m and 29.2m where there are service lanes, has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. It will span six local government areas (Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Okrika. The ring road will have six flyovers and one river crossing bridge. It is billed to be completed within 36 months.
Conceived by former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili;constructed by the government of SirSiminalayiFubara; and flagged off by the immediate past governor, Chief NyesomWike, this project, when completed, will connect the people of the state not just by road but by love and unity of purpose despite the inherent individual differences occasioned by the diverse ethnic groupings.
The Port Harcourt Ring Road will serve as a bold effort taken in connecting Rivers people together and fostering greater unity among them. This project, which is expected to connect several rural communities, will expand the landscape and further unify the people of the state.
The construction of the project will be of immense significance to domestic, social and economic development of the state. Upon completion, the project will offer significant socio-economic benefits for the contiguous local government areas, and indeed, the entire state by easing traffic flow, improving road safety, and creating greater opportunities for residents of the state. This project will expectedly open up Eleme, Okrika, Etche and Ikwerre LGAs to further development.
Whilst this signature project has received wide commendations from both local and foreign observers, it has also not escaped the watchful eyes of critics who have insinuated that the cost of the project is rather outrageous and shouldn’t be undertaken at this time when there is widespread hardship and hunger in the land.
Some have also opined that the government should have committed part of the over N150billion already advanced to the construction company handling the project, Julius Berger, for youth empowerment and other quick fix solutions.
However, the governor has assured that his government will attend to every area of need in Rivers State. Fubara emphasised that his government will soon roll out programmes that will empower youths and women in the state while also giving priority attention to other critical sectors like education, health, job creation and employment generation, among others.
He further explained that the decision to advance over 75percent of the project sum to Julius Berger was to avoid the issue of variation that comes with project of this magnitude.
Whether anybody likes it or not, the import of the project is underscored by the governor’s remarks during the flag-off ceremony. Fubara said that beyond traffic decongestion and accessibility, the Port Harcourt Ring Road seeks to further unite the people of Rivers State, adding that his administration was beginning of a journey some people thought cannot even be contemplated, given the realities on ground.
The governor dispelled insinuations in some quarters that the project was still at the drawing board, adding that the contract for the ring road has already been signed. According to him, “Today, we are here to put mortar to brick to that contract signing. Some of you had doubts when we signed the contract whether we will start it. But we did not just sign it, we have paid for it, and we are here to commence the job. The importance of this road is not just about connecting Eleme to Etche, it is not just about connecting Etche to Ikwerre; the project is about connecting our people. It is about uniting Rivers people. The New Rivers Vision is about bringing Rivers people together. It is about making all the ethnic groups in the state to unite for a common goal. Beyond our individual differences and diversity, I want us to look at this project as something that connects us together”.
Fubara said that the project is going to decongest Port Harcourt City and Obio/Akpor because it will be a trigger for other cities to develop in the state. He said, “This project will bring about the development of new cities in Rivers State because there will be accessibility to other towns around Port Harcourt. More investors will come too.
“Let me assure the good people of Rivers State that it is not only the roads that we will attend to, we will invest in health and educational sectors. We will also look at youth empowerment because it is very important,” he said. For critics, what other assurances do they want from the governor that he is not making wrong decisions? This project is only one among the many that the administration has lined up in all sectors, including human capacity development, and welfare of the people.”
Fubara, however, warned trouble makers around the designated local government areas of the project – Port Harcourt City, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme and Okrika – to stay away, assuring that the government would pay timely and appropriate compensation to those affected by the project. He warned that government would not condone any act of sabotage or lawlessness by anyone or group along the project’s right of way.
Whilst it is a fact that government does not have unlimited resources, and also cannot do everything at once, the decision of the current government of Rivers State to undertake this project is not just bold and audacious, but one that aptly attest to the determined drive of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to bring visible and undeniable development to the good people of Rivers State.
One interesting thing any doubting indigene can take away from this project is the satisfying detailed clarification on the description of the scope and specifications of the ring road by the state Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dax Alabo George-Kelly. The commissioner’s detailed explanation surely will silence any unbiased critic of the project because of the complex attributes and features the ring road offer the people of the state.
George-Kelly said, “I commend His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for this legacy project that cuts across several communities in six local government areas, critical government infrastructure and corporate industries that play major role in boosting the economy of the state are targeted in this project. Its social-economic benefits cannot be overemphasised”.
He maintained that the project has six sections that will run concurrently, with acompletion time of three years. George-Kelly added that the Port Harcourt Ring Road will have six flyovers, one river-crossing bridge, and 19 rotary intersections and roundabouts.
“The road is a total of 50.15km dual carriageway, meaning that, if it was a single carriageway, we would be talking about 100kilometres. The project is going to have six flyovers and one river-crossing bridge. The flyovers will be having a total length of 4.8kilometres. The river-crossing bridge will be 350 metres long. The project is sub-divided into two loops; we have the southern loop and the northern loop.
“The starting point of the project will be the southern loop, which is the UTC Junction, Port Harcourt. We will go into what looks like a valley there towards Kidney Island and take a curve to get to Rumuji Street. We go left to Uruala Street, then, we move on to Iloabuchi Street, meaning that all of these roads will be dual carriageway.
“At the end of Iloabuchi Street, we will go left towards Eagle Island. Behind the Nigerian Agip Oil Company, we are going to put a bridge to cross the river there to Mgbodohia, then, we go straight to Aker Road; from there, we go right to hit the Olumeni-Epirikom Road by Egbelu.
“On that road where you have St. John’s Church, we are going to have a flyover there. And then, we go left towards Ogbogoro; then, we move on to Ogbogoro-Ozuoba Road. At the Ozuoba Junction on NTA-Choba Road, we are going to put another flyover there. That would be slightly snake in nature because it is going to move all the way into Rumuosi. We will move from Rumuosi to East-West Road; then, we put another flyover across East-West Road to Rumuekini. That is the end of the southern loop.
“The northern loop begins from Rumuekini to Aluu. From there, we will hit right to get to the Airport Road. We then go right and get to Elikporkpordu until we get to Elikporkpordu by Ikwerre Road. We will put another flyover there to get to Rukporkwu.
“We move into the Rukporkwu-Eneka Road, which will now be dualised to get to Eneka Roundabout.We will put another flyover there. Then, we will hit the Eneka-Igbo-Etche Road; then, enter into Igbo-Etche community proper. Then, we go straight through the vegetation and hit Aba Road by Iriebe, where we used to have toll gate. At that point, we will have a roundabout and a flyover.
“From Iriebe, we will move in through the vegetation to get to Agbonchia in Eleme LGA. Then, we will go right to get to Alesa-Refinery Road. There, we will have our final flyover and roundabout on the East-West Road to connect Okrika”.
While flagging off the project, the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Chief Nyesom Wike, who was the special guest of honour, stated that his administration approved the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road, and commended Governor Fubara for starting the project on a solid and positive note.
“Before I left office, the last state executive council meeting that we held which the governor and his deputy attended, we approved that the Port Harcourt Ring Road should be constructed by the next administration.
“We attended meetings in Germany with the commissioner for works, negotiating with Julius Berger. We thank God Almighty that this project is starting today. Fubara has shown that he has the will and capacity to carry out project of this magnitude,” he said.
Wike subtly brought another dimension to the project when mocked Niger Delta Developmenbt Commission (NDDC), saying it would have been nice if the commission played along with the government by taking a section of the project. He said the ring road project ought to be driven by the NDDC, but regretted that unfortunately, the commission was “a Niger Delta cash cow”. He challenged the NDDC, saying if it was sincere; it should take the ring road from the Borokiri axis to Okrika and terminate at Alesa, Eleme.
Barely a week after the remark, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, responded positively to Wike’s push, saying that the former governor’s comments would only spur the management to do the right thing for the people of the state and the region. He specifically said that the commission has concluded discussions with the contractors handling the Borokiri-Okrika link road, which had been abandoned for years, and that work was resuming this week on the 3.65km road, with three bridges, costing an initial N16.5billion.
With the Borokiri-Okrika link road taken over by NDDC, the Port Harcourt Ring Road would now properly connect the people of the six local government areas directly affected, as well as others who use those LGAs to access their communities in Ogoni, Andoni, Opobo-Nkoro, and even across Rivers borders to Akwa Ibom and Cross River states. No doubt, the ring road is the single largest infrastructure project by any state government in the country as at today, exactly 57 days after assuming office as governor. The short and long-term impacts of this project cannot be quantified. Only posterity will judge those who feel it is a waste of tax-payers’ resources, because it is indeed, not a waste after all. It is a wise investment in boosting the state’s infrastructure base to make it even more competitive in the comity of states in Nigeria, and mega cities in the world.
By: Ibisaki Willie-Wills
Traditional rulers in Rivers State say they are mobilising their subjects to ensure Governor Siminialayi Fubara’s administration succeeds.
The Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers(RSCTR), Eze Oha Apara IV of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Amadi Worlu – Wodo gave the assurance at the 117th and 118th quarterly general meeting of the council held in Port Harcourt.
He commended the state governor for maintaining peace in the State despite the unwarranted political crisis orchestrated by selfish and overzealous politicians.
He stated that Governor Fubara should not retaliate by toeing the violent path, adding that Rivers people know those who are over-heating the polity.
The chairman further appealed to people of the State on all sides of the political divide to remember that they have nowhere else to call home apart from Rivers State, saying that they must not allow their personal interests to destabilise and stifle growth of the State.
“As traditional rulers, we owe our State the duty of making it peaceful by cautioning our children against violent act. We, therefore, cannot caution anybody if we allow ourselves become overly partisan.
“ We will then lose the moral authority to reprimand those causing trouble when we take sides.So I say let us all work assiduously to maintain peace in Rivers State,” he said.
He used the medium to advise the supporters of the governor to avoid persons or events that will cause violence, as detractors want to make the State ungovernable so as to call for the declaration of state of emergency.
“ Let me use this opportunity to thank Your Excellency for maintaining peace in the State in the face of the unwarranted political crisis orchestrated by selfish and overzealous politicians.
“ You must not, Your Excellency, fall into their traps by going the violent way. All of us know that those who are over-heating the polity have one aim of making this state ungovernable so as to make it fit for a declaration of state of emergency”, Eze Worlu- Wodo said.
He thanked the state governor for appointing him as the chairman of traditional rulers, council adding that he will contribute his own little quota to the development of the traditional rulers council and by extension, our dear State, Rivers State.
“ Council records have shown that this is the second time since you became Governor of the State on May 29, 2023 that you have approved and released funds for two sets of combined quarterly meetings of the council.
“ This means that your administration is not indebted to us in terms of payment of our meeting sitting allowances.
“ It takes only someone who is both law-abiding and generous to be able to do this.
“On behalf of the traditional rulers, I thank you our Governor”, he said.
Stories by Kevin Nengia
As the Rivers State Ministry of Transport announces an ultimatum to commercial drivers to paint their vehicles with the approved state colour latest on August 1, some commercial drivers have pleaded for more time.
The directive was announced on Monday by the State Commissioner for Transport, Prince Collins Onunwo as it insisted that after the deadline, defaulters will not be allowed to operate.
He said in a statement signed by him that the new order is for uniformity and to ensure subsidised rates. “The Rivers State Ministry of Transport and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) have reached an agreement with some designated automobile painting workshops, interested persons can contact the following persons.”, he said.
Meanwhile, responding to the directive, some commercial drivers who spoke to The Tide Metro sought for more time so that they can source money to paint their vehicles.
Kennedy Amahu, who plies between Choba and Mile One said , “ the time is too short. August 1 is just less than two weeks from now and I don’t think many of us can meet the deadline.”
Besides, he explained that many commercial vehicle owners do not paint their vehicles as this allows them to take charter and drops into restricted facilities.
He argued that if their vehicles are painted with state colour, many of them will lose customers and will be restricted to enter some places.
On his part, Hope Nwankwo decried the time given by the government, “ I can’t meet up, but if they extend it to October”, many of us can try.
So far, according to Nwankwo, who ferries passengers from Iwofe to Mile One, Diobu, many of his fellow drivers are not aware of the new policy.
He begged that government should do more extensive publicity on the new directive.
Another commercial driver, Anele Nwobi said what should be done is to register the vehicles to monitor car theft than painting vehicles.
“As far as I’m concerned, “ Nwobi said, “ this new government directive will empower Agberos and the police to harass commercial drivers.”
He recalled that previous administrations had given such directive but that after a while, it failed because of poor implementation.
Nwobi argued that with the poor economy, it would be difficult for many drivers to meet the deadline since most of them are on hire purchase. “The price of fuel is too high now for most of us to cover our daily returns, he said.”
Jaja Stephens, a keke bus driver told The Tide Metro that painting vehicles is quite expensive and hence, many of them will be put out of the road.
Apart from pleading for time extension, Stephens further stated that there is need for the drivers unions to sensitise their members, stressing that many of them are not aware of the new government directive.
It was supposed to be a book launch but fate turned it into a day of reminiscence for natives of Rebisi in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
For over 113 years when their great grandfathers ceded some parts of their land to colonial masters and named it after Sir Harcourt then Secretary of Colonies in 1913, natives of Port Harcourt became part of the new metropolis now called Port Harcourt.
According to Eze Apara Rebisi, HRM Isaiah Elekwu, about 25 square miles of their land were ceded to develop the new city which included a new port and railway at the time.
Fortunately, the book launch turned to a historical forum as speaker after speaker spoke of the past and the rich heritage bequeathed by their fathers.
It was this backdrop that made the paramount ruler of Port Harcourt, HRM Elekwu to charge historians to begin earnest documentation of Rebisi people as a way to preserve their heritage.
The royal father gave the charge during the launch and public presentation of the book, ‘Rebisi Natives of Port Harcourt: History and Developments’ written by Arthur Kalagbor held on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.
The monarch said intellectuals in the Kingdom should engage more in written than oral history, as he commended Kalagbor for leading the light in documenting his people.
He described the book as the beginning of a new era in Rebisi Kingdom and quest to ensure that there is cohesive and united front among the people.
Calling on elites in Rebisi to rise to the challenge of leadership, Eze Elekwu said time has come to save the future of the Kingdom.
Part of the charge by the Rebisi monarch was to make sure that the struggles of their great grand fathers were captured.
For instance, he recalled that while the 1913 agreement made both by Okrika and some Rebisi chiefs were rejected, the colonial authorities were forced into accepting it.
Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Sunny Amadi said he was elated that a new awakening has started in Rebisi Kingdom with the book.
The university teacher however, advocated for a new economy for Rebisi as he called for use of estate development to drive future growth of the people.
“In his words, Today most parts of Rebisi have been overtaken by development and that is why I urge our people to see opportunities from the estate , and built environment to preserve the future of children.”
Reviewing the book, Dr Chris Akani described the work as historical legacy, that seeks to throw light on the ontology of the people.
He stated that the seven-chapter book with 106 pages is fluid and easy to read, with special focus on the origins of Rebisi people.
Akani added that, “it’s an exciting book that has come at the right time and I think the author should be given a resounding ovation”.
The book reviewer noted that the book is a response to the desire of indigenes to know their roots.
Following the expansion and migration by Rebisi children which included, Okuta. Abali; Ola Ekenigbo and others.
Said he, “Rebisi had four wives, and he was a young man aching for success. And so the children did not relent to expand like Orubom and Abali who were adventurous.”
The expansion according to the university don was as a result of wars and skirmishes and this took place between 1700- 1734. And this led to the conquer of Elekahia.
While launching the book, former House of Representatives member representing Port Harcourt Constituency, Hon. Ken Chikere described history as key to the future.
He said, “if we know our history, then, we will be fully guided.”
Hon. Chikere, a former Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General added,” “What is important is to know where you come from. We need to learn our history, so that no one writes our story for us.”
In his remarks, the book author, Arthur Kalagbor disclosed that the book is an outcome of a study group set up by Rebisi Monarch in 2014.
In the view of Kalagbor, the book is not a folklore, but rather a collation of oral history compiled and confirmed by various sources.
He said,” Even with the lack of reading culture, we still need to write with information that are verifiable and evidence-based.”
With the completion of the assignment to collate history of the Kingdom, he noted that he was compelled to expand the frontiers to cover other areas of culture and origins to educate the young generation.
Kalagbor reiterated that the book is dedicated to the future generations who have little knowledge of their history, and thanked royal fathers, and local sources for support, including former President of Ogbakor Ikwerre Organisation Worldwide, Prof. Otonti Nduka for writing the forward of the book.
Kevin Nengia