The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the 50.15-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project will be completed in October this year.
The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday when he inspected the project in company with the Deputy Regional Manager (South-South and South-East) of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, Mr. Rimon Marisho. They toured critical sections of the project spanning six local government areas of the state.
The inspection commenced at the Eleme axis at the Refinery Junction, and continued through Oyigbo and Obio-Akpor, terminating at the river-crossing bridge linking the Agip/RSU axis of Port Harcourt to Mgbuodohia community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Fubara said the tour was aimed at evaluating the level of work done as the project approached the initially set 36 months completion period.
He said significant progress had been made across various sections of the road, adding that the contractors have assured the state government of timely delivery within the revised schedule.
“The project was initially planned to last for about 36 months, and we are now approaching that period. It became necessary for us to physically assess the level of progress made so far.
“A lot has been achieved. In our discussions, the contractors have continued to assure us that they will deliver the project by October. From my assessment, what they require is sustained funding, and from our end, the necessary push,” the governor said.
He described the Port Harcourt Ring Road as a priority project of his administration, noting its critical role in improving transportation infrastructure and meeting the expectations of the people of Rivers State.
Fubara said Port Harcourt Ring Road was conceived as a long-term solution to traffic congestion and the challenges of urban expansion within the state.
“I strongly believe that the promise we made to our people, to deliver this project by October, will be fulfilled, God willing.
“This project is particularly important because of the vision behind it. My Oga, the Honourable Minister who conceived it had a far-reaching vision, believing that its completion within record time would bring immense satisfaction to the people.
“Despite the challenges, it remains my desire and commitment to ensure that this vision is realised. This underscores how important the project is, not just to this administration, but to everyone who means well for Rivers State,” he added.
The project, initiated in July 2023, spans across six local government areas namely, Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Oyigbo.
The project includes the construction of six flyovers and a river-crossing bridge.
