By Alice Etuka, Abuja
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has awarded the sum of 6.7 billion naira for the construction of the Okania-Ogbogoro Road project in Obio Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
This was the outcome of the 2nd State Executive Council Meeting held on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 in Port Harcourt.
The road project awarded to CCECC was initially handled by Messrs Nugi Limited. The Council re-awarded the project at the cost of N6.7 billion with 40% down payment.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the Council meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Senibo Joe Johnson informed that the project would be funded from the State’s Internally Generated Revenue.
Johnson also stated that the project was to ease traffic from Okania through Ogbogoro to Ozuoba as a result of the ongoing work on the Port Harcourt Ring Road:
“The significance of that road is to help cushion commuters who ply that route due to the construction works on the Port Harcourt Ring Road”
“Council also considered an emergency approach to the Igwuruta roundabout axis leading to Chokocho because of public outcry on the deplorable state of that section. I am happy that His Excellency directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works to come up with emergency solutions to the challenges on that road”, he said.
On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Atemea Briggs said the 5 kilometer road was previously awarded to Messrs Nugi Limited in 2017 but was abandoned in 2020, adding that the road has become impassable.
He said with the outcry of residents and commuters along the route, the State Executive Council considered reconstruction of the road which is
State Executive Council considered reconstruction of the road which is expected to be completed in 5 months.
“The major section of the Okania-Ogbogoro road has been considered by Council for reconstruction and Council approved a total sum of N6,734,865,277.88k for the award and it is expected to be completed in five months.”
The Acting Director of Bureau of Public Procurement, Engr. Dr. Ine Tamunoprinye Briggs noted that after due assessment of the documents provided by the Ministry of Works on the project procurement process, the Bureau in accordance with the law gave a no objection certification to enable commencement of work on the project.
