Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Saturday, inaugurated the 21.6km Omoku-Egbema road in the Egbema/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

Speaking at the event, Mr Fubara said that the road would be of huge social and economic importance to the people of the area.

He said, “We added it to the line-up of projects for inauguration during our one year in office celebration because of its importance.’’

The governor said that his administration would implement development projects in every part of the state.

He added, “We are not paying lip service to governance. We are serious with the business of providing democracy dividends to our people.’’

He commended the contractor for delivering the project according to time and specification.

Mr Fubara said that his administration would consider other requests made by Egbema people in its subsequent implementation list.

He directed the ministry of works to ensure that work was completed on the other segments of the road, especially the one leading to the boundary with Imo State.

“As for our government, we shall ensure that the contractor is mobilised to complete work on the zonal hospital. We commend both Omoku and Egbema people for supporting our government. We assure you that we shall live up to our promises,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Atemea Briggs, said that the road was awarded to Cetraco Nigeria Limited in April 2023 by the previous administration.

Mr Briggs said that the road, awarded at the cost of N7.5 billion was not funded until the Fubara-led administration mobilised the contractor to commence work in July 2023.

He said that the contract worth changed due to prevailing inflation with the addition of N5.47 billion, bringing the project to a total of N13.07 billion.

“The road has many features including a 45m long bridge, 8.2km of drainage and a 7.3m wide carriage way on each side,” he said.

Also speaking, a former governor of the state, Dr Peter Odili, said that Fubara had demonstrated rare courage and resilience to governance.

He stated, “You have demonstrated your love for the people of the state in just one year as governor. Your focus and commitment to the welfare of the people is obvious, we assure you of our support.’’’

The Area Manager, Setraco Nigeria Limited, Michel Issa, thanked the people of Omoku and Egbema for their support during the implementation of the project.

Mr Issa thanked the traditional institution in the area for creating the enabling environment for the project to be completed.

He expressed the commitment of the company to deliver quality projects in the state.

(NAN)