Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has said the 33.5km Elele-Umudioga–Egbeda–Ubimini-Ikiri–Omoku Road has reached 90 per cent completion.
He said the road will be ready for the inauguration in May.
Fubara stated this on Wednesday after inspecting the dual carriageway traversing Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas, adding that the project would bring to an end years of hardship and insecurity experienced by travellers along the corridor.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Wednesday, Fubara described the project as critical to unlocking the economic potential of Omoku, popularly known as the ‘Gas City’ of Rivers State.
Fubara said the road is not just a landmark achievement, but one of the signature projects of his administration, designed to expand the road network and enhance economic activities across the state.
“From my assessment, about 90 per cent of the job is already done, and what is remaining will be delivered before the end of April.
“I feel very happy because this is not just a road but a signature project of our administration. It is a road corridor that connects Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government areas,” he said.
The governor also highlighted the security implications of the project, recalling the history of criminal activities, including kidnappings and other vices along the route.
“For those who live and do business in Port Harcourt and Rivers State, you know this road used to be a death trap. Kidnappings and other crimes were common along this corridor.
“I think with what we have done here today, those issues will be old stories. It won’t occur anymore because security agencies can now easily access the place for any eventuality,” he said.
The governor commended the contractor for the pace and quality of work done, particularly on the bridge across the river, and expressed optimism that the remaining jobs would be completed before the end of April, ahead of the formal inauguration.