Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has stated that while the amount of civil construction work undertaken by his administration in developing the state is costly, the overall benefits remain a driving force.
On Wednesday, Governor Wike made the statement while inspecting ongoing projects in the Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the state.
The eleventh flyover site at Location Junction along Mgbuogba-NTA Road, the twelfth flyover site at Rumuokuta Round-about, the dualisation of Azikiwe Street-Illoabuchi Road, and the sand-filled land in Ogbunuabali Town were all inspected.
Governor Wike explained that the inspection became necessary in order to ascertain the impact the projects would have on the socioeconomic life of the residents within the areas.
“One of the reasons why we came is to see the impact of the roads and the flyovers. Of course, when the valuers brought the compensation report, we felt that it was too huge. So, we decided to go and see things for ourselves.
“But when we got there, we understood that a lot of buildings will be impacted and that requires us to compensate the owners of those houses heavily. But it is worth it in order to give Port Harcourt the facelift required and to transform the landscape of the area.”
Governor Wike said despite the attendant cost implication of undertaking the projects, his administration has paid 80 percents for the road dualisation to the contractor, Julius Berger, which is also handling the two new flyovers.
“We have been able to fulfil our part to Julius Berger Nigeria PLC. This place now (Illoabuchi Road), we have paid eighty percent for the dualization of Azikiwe Street/Ilaobuchi Road as at yesterday.
“By Monday, we want to start paying for the compensation to owners of the buildings so that Julius Berger can start demolishing the affected structures.”
The Rivers State governor appealed to the residents in the areas, particularly in Mile 2 Diobu, Port Harcourt to show understanding and endure the inconvenience they would suffer while the work lasted.
Governor Wike expressed delight in the show of excitement by the people who throng out to meet him.
According to the governor, the various projects will create employment for a good number of youths within the areas.
Governor Wike enjoined all well meaning Rivers people to join with the government to thank God Almighty for what has been accomplished within the tenure.
He said the capacity of his administration in inaugurating more projects while also embarking on new projects is something that has never been witnessed.
“And I think you can’t hear anything happening in most of the States. But for us, we will end our services to the people on the 29th of May, 2023.
“Like I said no project will be left abandoned and that is why we have taken priority to make sure that the finances are there to back up these projects. If we don’t have the money, there is no need of awarding contracts.”
On his part, the Regional Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Juergen Fischer, promised that his company would do all within its powers to deliver the projects as agreed.