The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of a coordinated drive to upgrade and revitalise key areas of Port Harcourt.
In a statement made available on its official website on Thursday, the government said the initiative is being led jointly by the Ministries of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works, and Transport.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward Hart, stated that the project focuses on enhancing the city’s layout and strengthening its transport systems.
He said with particular attention to designated pick-up and drop-off points.
The Commissioner spoke during a strategy meeting held in his office, where the ministries formalised their collaboration. Hart stressed that close cooperation between agencies is crucial to implementing the urban renewal agenda of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He added that real progress would depend heavily on the involvement of both the Works and Transport ministries.
As part of the plan, the government intends to introduce green areas and recreational spaces in busy locations such as Garrison, Rumuola and Artillery Junction. The move, he said, is aimed at tackling both environmental concerns and social challenges in those areas.
Hart reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to the project, expressing confidence that with focus and consistency, the desired transformation can be achieved.
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Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Soibi Duke Harry, outlined several issues affecting traffic flow across the city.
She pointed to problems such as indiscriminate waste disposal and overgrown vegetation along road medians.
She further recommended pedestrian-friendly measures, including zebra crossings, walkways and better access routes across major roads.
Harry also raised concerns about the condition of spaces beneath flyovers at Garrison, Rumuola and Artillery Junctions, describing them as unattractive and potential security risks.
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Ezekiel Hart, assured that the ministry is ready to support the project, noting that the proposed interventions are achievable.
He suggested converting areas beneath the Garrison flyover into car parks to ease congestion, as well as constructing 1.5-metre pedestrian walkways along road medians. He also proposed setting up a task force to oversee implementation.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Aaron Mary Ebere, emphasised the need to adopt proven approaches to improve access to transport networks, particularly around flyover corridors.
She noted that such steps would play a key role in reducing traffic congestion and improving connectivity across Port Harcourt.
