The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, on Tuesday inaugurated the 5.94-kilometre Ihuowo–Ihuama and Ring Road (Road Section 1) in Ahoada East Local Government Area.
Speaking during the inauguration, Fubara said the project marked a major boost to infrastructure development and security in the area. He explained that his presence was to express gratitude, stressing that appreciation should come from the heart and not through compulsion.
The governor said the commissioning was emotional, not because of any extraordinary feat, but because it reflected the government’s responsibility to listen to the people’s needs and respond accordingly.
He recalled that the Ihuowo–Ihuama corridor had previously been a death trap that harboured kidnappers and other criminals, who used the route to destabilise the area and neighbouring communities.
Fubara stated that, with the completion of the road, criminal activities along the corridor would no longer continue unchecked.
He expressed confidence that the project would improve safety and ease movement, while also addressing earlier concerns about women and expectant mothers who struggled to access the road and nearby healthcare facilities due to its poor condition.
He added that the project addressed both security and humanitarian needs, noting that its successful delivery demonstrated how the timely release of funds, proper supervision and cooperation from host communities could guarantee quality outcomes.
The governor disclosed that although the contractor previously had a poor record in the state, it was allowed to redeem its image.
“They have proven themselves,” he said, assuring that the company would be considered for more projects.
He also commended the leadership and residents of Ahoada East for their support and cooperation.
Fubara said his administration would continue to embark on projects that directly addressed the needs of the people.
He further urged residents to mobilise massive grassroots support for President Bola Tinubu and his re-election bid.
Providing technical details, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Works, Austin Ezekiel-Hart, said the Ihuowo–Ihuama Ring Road was awarded on October 17, 2024, to Darycet International Limited.
He said the project covered 5.94 kilometres, with a single carriageway width of 7.3 metres and shoulders of three metres in non-built-up areas.
According to him, the road structure comprised a 60-millimetre asphalt wearing course, a 40-millimetre asphalt binder course, a 200-millimetre crushed stone base course, a 150-millimetre cement-stabilised sand layer to enhance sub-grade support and prevent moisture damage, and a 450-millimetre compacted sharp river sand sub-base.
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Ezekiel-Hart added that the project included 3.24 kilometres of reinforced concrete side drains and 300 metres of outfall drains to ensure effective surface water discharge.
He said the road would enhance intra-community connectivity within Ahoada East, facilitate the movement of agricultural produce and goods, improve access to healthcare, education and social amenities, reduce travel time, and significantly improve safety.
In his remarks, the chairman of Ahoada East Local Government Area, Solomon Ochoma, said the road would serve farmers, traders, transporters, students and businesses whose livelihoods depended on reliable access.
