The managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku, says the NDDC will inaugurate the nearly completed Oruma rigid pavement road project in Ogbia, Bayelsa in October.

Mr Ogbuku spoke during his inspection of the Oruma road project, a statement by NDDC’s spokesman, Pius Ughakpoteni, on Monday.

The NDDC boss said the project would link the completed 23.4km Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego road connecting Bayelsa and Rivers.

“On completion, the road will serve as a major by-pass for commuters in many communities in both Bayelsa and Rivers states, thus enhancing our target to build regional roads. The completion of the road is part of our efforts to complete all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta region,” said the NDDC statement.

It added, “The Oruma Road is very important because it will help people in the area, who are mostly farmers, to move their agricultural produce to the cities and towns for sale.”

Mr Ogbuku urged leaders of the communities and youths in the area to cooperate with the contractor handling the project to enable the team to complete the project on time.

“We have given the contractor the marching order to complete his road (Oruma) by the end of October,” stated the NDDC chief.

Ken Ejibas, site manager for the project’s contractor, assured that the project would be completed and delivered on schedule. He said that upon completion, the road would stimulate economic activities in the area as part of broader plans by NDDC to drive the socio and economic development of the Niger Delta.

“So, we commend NDDC for initiating the project and thank members of the Oruma community for their support, cooperation, and warm reception since we commenced this project,” he said.

On his part, the Community Liaison Officer, Charles Yibaeprima, commended NDDC for executing the project and expressed optimism that the road would improve the living conditions of the people.

According to him, the people of Oruma are happy with the commission for opening the community to the world.

“We are very hospitable and have yearned for this project for years, and so, we are happy to see the road nearing completion,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Oruma community ruler, David Amakiri, commended Mr Ogbuku and his team when they visited his palace.

(NAN)