Gov. Douye Diri of Bayelsa has urged the ministry of works and contractors handling the Ekeremor-Agge road project to expedite work for timely completion.

Mr Diri gave the directive on Saturday during an on-the-spot inspection of the ongoing project.

About seven kilometres have been sand-filled out of the 27.8km first phase from Ekeremor town to Ndoro.

The project includes a spur to Peretorugbene community in Ekeremor Local Government Area and is expected to be completed within 24 months.

Mr Diri described progress as encouraging but stressed the need for the ministry of works, Pelfaco Limited and Lubrik Construction Company to accelerate sand-filling and road construction works.

He said the first phase target was to reach Ndoro with a spur to Peretorugbene, assuring that subsequent administrations would complete the remaining stretch.

Mr Diri explained that initial delays occurred due to plans to inaugurate the Sagbama-Ekeremor axis and partner with the federal government to extend the road to Agge.

He added that since the Sagbama-Ekeremor portion had not yet been inaugurated, his administration decided to commence fresh work on the current section.

Commissioner for works and infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, said the two-year completion timeline remained realistic, with contractors fully mobilised and ready to deliver.

He disclosed that, alongside construction, two bridges would be built: an 80-metre bridge to Ndoro and a 150-metre bridge to Peretorugbene.

Kazeem Ajala, representing Pelfaco Limited, said sand-filling to Ndoro would be completed in April next year, before full construction works commence.

Mr Ajala assured that with the road raised to 2.4 metres, flooding would not pose a threat, pledging strict compliance with contract specifications and timelines.

(NAN)