Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has tasked residents of Saakpenwa-Bori-Kono Road to support the contractor and not frustrate the completion of the project in 14 months.
In his address at the flag-off ceremony for the construction of the 17.2km long and 22.3m wide dual carriageway on Friday, the Governor said his administration is determined to deliver the project on time as planned.
“I urge the local residents to continue to support the contractor. Don’t harass them too much. I do know that the (contractor) give you a contract to supply sand, security and the rest of them. If you disturb them, obviously, we will suffer at the end of the day.”
He added that a contract has been signed with the contractor, CCECC to continue the job while urging it not to use the rainy season as an excuse to delay delivering the project in 14 months as agreed because the contract and the money were signed and released during the rainy season.
“Don’t tell me this is a rainy period. If you know the rain will disturb you, stop taking our money.
“As you take the money, also do the work now. You can’t keep our money in your account making more money for you at our own expense.”
He explained that why he came back to flag off this second phase was because he made the promise during the inauguration of Phase one of the project while explaining that there was a need to extend the same comfort the road offering to Kono town, having reconstructed the road from Saakpenwa up to Bori Town.
Flagging off the project, Senator Lee Maeba disclosed that Governor Wike was not prompted by anyone to adopt the road for reconstruction, describing him as a leader who knows what is best for the people.
He opined that the Governor has high sympathy for the Ogonis, adding that the road is world-class standard just like those in Abuja and overseas.
Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, while describing the project, said an irreversible standing payment order has been signed to ensure that the project is not stalled by lack of funds.
He disclosed that the road is being built with a futuristic mindset and upon completion will be a 17.2km long, 22.3m wide dual carriageway.
“Each lane will be 10.65m wide separated by a 2m wide concrete median. It will have 2 bridges, 570 streetlight poles,1140 streetlight fittings, 6 stations to power the lights and approximately 5km of drainage.”
Attendees at the occasion include the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Dr Ipalibo Harry-Banigo; National Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), South-South, Chief Dan Orbih among others.
