Shettima praises Fubara for rebuilding 33.5km road in Rivers State

Vice President Kashim Shettima has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State for turning the bad Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road into a modern 33.5-kilometre dual carriageway.

Mr Shettima gave his praise on Thursday while opening the new road, which connects communities in Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas of Rivers.

He called the project a clear sign of what state governments can achieve through smart infrastructure development.

The vice president said roads are key to national development. He called them “the most democratic instruments of development” because they are vital for farmers, traders, workers, students, and patients.

He pointed out that the road used to have deep gullies and security problems, making travel very hard.

He added that changing it into a dual carriageway, with lights for safe travel day and night, has left the bad experiences of commuters behind.

Mr Shettima said the road will make it easier for people and goods to move, creating more economic chances for communities along the route.

He also noted that the project shows Mr Fubara’s dedication to better infrastructure and improving the lives of Rivers residents.

Mr Fubara, in his speech, called the Elele-Omoku Road a signature project and “a promise kept” by his government.

He said finishing the road has turned a route once known for wasted time, kidnapping, and bunkering into a safe and fast highway.

“For anyone who understands this road, they will see what we have achieved here.

“It’s not just a project, it’s a message to show our people that we care for you,” he said.

The governor mentioned that the better road will help security agencies work better along the corridor.

He thanked the communities along the route, saying their support helped finish the project successfully.

Mr Fubara also thanked Mr Shettima for coming to the ceremony, saying his presence showed that Rivers is an important part of Nigeria.

“For a long time, I felt that maybe we’re not part of this country. But today, I feel very happy that our country is also standing by us,” he said.

Earlier, the Rivers Commissioner for Works, Temple Nwofor, said the project met high engineering standards and specifications.

Mr Nwofor said the contract was given to Messrs Craneburg Construction Company on 26 March 2024 and included building and fixing 33.5 kilometres of road, six kilometres of drainage, and a 99-metre-long by 11-metre-wide bridge at Ubimini.

He added that street lights were put along the whole length of the highway.

According to him, the dual carriageway has a width of 7.3 metres on both sides, 50mm asphalt binder and wearing courses, 1.2-metre concrete shoulders, and a 1.4-metre concrete median.

Mr Nwofor said the project is another big step in the state government’s efforts to build lasting infrastructure and improve connections across the state.