Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has signed the contract for
the construction of a fifth flyover and other roads in the state, vowing
not to politicize the development of the State.
He has, therefore, reiterated his commitment to providing quality
infrastructure that would enhance the development of the State.
Governor Wike gave the assurance during the signing of the contract
papers for the award of the GRA Junction Flyover in Port Harcourt.
According to him, the provisions of critical infrastructure will not be
politicised because Rivers people deserve the best.
“Today, we have signed the papers for the award of N15.8billion
contract for the GRA Flyover and also the dualization of the Ezimgbu
Link Road up to Stadium Road, and from Genesis Eatery Axis of Tombia
Road up to Ikwerre Road.
“It is unprecedented that a State can dream, commence, and complete
construction of five flyovers within a year.
“We will pay Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, 70 percent of the contract sum
upfront. This will make them keep to the terms agreed on delivering the
job within 12months.
“The rains cannot be used as an excuse because we are going to pay them.
I trust the capacity of Julius Berger and I believe that Rivers State
deserves the best”, he stated.
The Governor dismissed comments by critics that he is concentrating
development on Port Harcourt to the detriment of other parts of the
state.
He stated that he would not politicise anything that has to do with the
construction of roads in the interest of the State.
The Governor maintained that any investment made in the State Capital
goes a long way to boost the image of the State.
“We are providing infrastructure and roads in all the 23 local
government areas. We are also at the point of constructing a road from
Woji town connecting Aleto- Alesa up to Port Harcourt Refinery junction.
“That road will help the people of Okrika to access Port Harcourt within
ten minutes without going through the East-West road,” he stated.
Governor Wike also announced the court judgment that has affirmed that
the Rivers State Government is the owner of the OML11.
“Yesterday, we got a judgment against Shell Petroleum Development
Company (SPDC) that OML 11 and Kidney Island belong to Rivers State
Government.
“For us, whatever we will do to enhance the development of the State,
we will do it within the period we are in office,” he added.
Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Dr. Lars Ritchter said
they are delighted to be part of the success story of Governor Wike’s
administration.
He pointed out that they started with polehole contracts in 2015, and
has since constructed 19 Roads.
Other projects completed include the Port Harcourt Pleasure Park,
Ecumenical Centre, Cinema, and Restaurant.
According to Dr. Ritchter, two of the three flyovers started in October
2019 will be delivered by December 2020 and the third one in February
2021.