Breaking: Fubara launches out, signs MoU for the construction of PH Ring Road
● Plans completion of Ring Road project in 3yrs;
● Flags off project on Monday;
● Warns youths, traditional rulers to stay away from project sites;
● Promises execution of more projects in health, education
By Jonas Happy
Governor Siminalayi Fubara speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with Julius Berger Nigeria PLC in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara has signed a three-year contract with Julius Berger for the construction of the Port Harcourt Ring Road project.
It is the biggest road project ever to be embarked upon by any State Government in Nigerian history.
The iconic project will be delivered in three years time according to the Rivers State Governor, and it is expected to link six local government areas.
They include Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Okrika, Etche, Eleme and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
When completed in 36 months, the road would provide better access to the State capital, extend the scope of Port Harcourt city, create appropriate and new opportunities especially in real estate development and stimulate growth in the economy.
Speaking during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, Governor Fubara said that the project was awarded to Julius Berger “not because we like your face”, but “the quality” construction that the company is reputed for.
The governor announced that out of the N195 billion that the government would be spending, he would release 77% of the total sum to ensure that the company hits the ground running.
Fubara warned that his administration will not tolerate any delays in the execution of the key project.
He also urged the local communities to cooperate with the contractor, warning that youths who attempt to interfere with the execution of the scheme would be put on trial while traditional rulers found culpable will be removed from office.
Talking on the timing of the project, the State Governor explained that there was no better time to commence the project than now.
Members of the State Executive Council were present during the signing of the MoU. Alabo George-Kelly (right) gave a description of the project to the press.
He noted that the project will be ready for commissioning before the end of his four-year tenure.
Fubara promised that his administration will delve into the execution of laudable projects in the educational and health sectors.
The governor recalled that the idea of embarking on the ring road project has been on the drawing board for a long while and expressed joy that his administration has finally taken up the responsibility to build it.
Briefing the press after the signing of the project, the State Commissioner for Works, Alabo George-Kelly announced that the flag off of the project will take place on Monday.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara listening attentively while other speakers make their point.
He disclosed that the project would equally have a strong multiplier impact on the generation of new jobs as well as wealth creation.
The commissioners of Justice and Finance were part of the briefing.
Although the governor did not refer to it by name, experts say his reference to the emergence of a new city may not be unconnected with the Greater Port Harcourt City project which has been on the drawing board.
With the signing of the MoU on the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Rivers State Government will be executing two ring road projects at the same time.
Recall that the Wike administration had flagged off the construction of the Opobo Ring Road before it left office.
As things are, Fubara is expected to proceed on the construction of the next phase of the Trans-Kalabari Highway.
He had promised to do so while campaigning for office months ago.
