Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the reconstructed 19.79-kilometre Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, linking communities across Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The road, reconstructed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, had previously been in a deplorable condition, causing significant travel delays and raising security concerns for residents and commuters.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony on Monday, Fubara said the project fulfilled a personal commitment he made after witnessing the poor condition of the road during an earlier visit to the area.
The governor said the rehabilitation would improve movement and security along the corridor, particularly for residents travelling to Abonnema and neighbouring communities.
Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to executing projects that directly improve the lives of residents, rather than focusing solely on the number of projects delivered.
He also reiterated his commitment to completing the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project connecting several coastal communities in Rivers State.
The governor thanked residents for their support and cooperation with contractors during the construction, urging them to continue supporting development projects across the state.
Fubara also assured residents that ongoing projects would remain a priority, even after the expiration of his administration, expressing confidence that his successor would continue from where he stops.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road was constructed in line with required state standards.
According to him, the project features a 50mm asphaltic binder course and a 50mm asphaltic wearing course.
The rehabilitation also included the reconstruction of seven existing bridges across Ido, Abalama and neighbouring communities.
Other components of the project include streetlights, concrete walkways, culverts and reinforced concrete drainage channels measuring between 0.5 and 2.2 metres in width.
The completed road is expected to ease transportation, improve connectivity and strengthen economic activities across the coastal communities.
