The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reached a major milestone in its infrastructure drive in Rivers State. During a recent inspection tour, officials confirmed the successful reclamation of over eleven acres of swampy land in the Okochiri community.
Alabo Boma Iyaye, the Executive Director of Finance and Administration (EDFA) at the NDDC, led the inspection. He explained that these projects are part of a broader strategy to boost economic activities and social unity within the Ogu/Bolo and Tai Local Government Areas.
▌Land Reclamation and Shoreline Protection in Okochiri
The NDDC Okochiri reclamation project is a vital intervention for the coastal community. By reclaiming eleven acres of swampy terrain, the commission has provided much-needed land for socio-cultural and economic growth.
Furthermore, the shoreline protection element of the project ensures that the newly created land is safe from erosion. According to Alabo Iyaye, this vast area will soon host various community activities, significantly increasing the local land value.
▌The Ogu Modern Town Hall: A New Community Hub
In the neighboring Ogu community, work has reached an advanced stage on a 1,500-capacity Modern Town Hall. This project was initiated following a detailed needs assessment of the locality.
The EDFA noted that this town hall would serve as a “unifying center” for the people of Ogu and Ogu/Bolo. Once completed, the facility will provide a professional venue for town hall meetings, cultural festivals, and civic engagements.
▌Improving Connectivity with New Internal Roads
Beyond buildings and land reclamation, the NDDC is also focusing on transportation. Alabo Iyaye inspected the ongoing construction of a five-kilometer internal road. This road links Nowa in Tai Local Government Area with Ogu in Ogu/Bolo.
▌Commitment to Quality and Speedy Completion
During the tour, Alabo Iyaye also visited an ongoing pavilion complex in Ogu and paid a courtesy visit to the King of Okochiri, Chief Ateke Tom. He assured the communities that the NDDC is determined to deliver high-quality finishing on all projects.
Contractors Dr. Jude Moroh and Deima Iyala promised to expedite their work. They stated that they are following all technical specifications to ensure the projects are ready for inauguration soon. Local residents, including Mr. Tamuno Dango, expressed joy over the developments, noting that the NDDC’s work has brought significant relief to the people.
