Julius Berger begins work on Rivers N195.3bn PH Ring road project

…But reactions are varied

Ben Egugozie

Nyesom Wike, the immediate past governor of Rivers State flagged off the Port Harcourt Ring Road project construction with assurances to Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the people of the State that, with Julius Berger as the contractor for the properly-funded 50.15 km road project, work will be completed and commissioned ahead of the scheduled delivery date.

The former governor, who, in his eight years, built at least 12 flyover bridges and 1,500 km of roads at cost of N360 billion, lauded the contractor saying that, “…on this project, with Julius Berger (as the contractors), I can assure you that Julius Berger will not wait for the projected three years to complete the job.…by the time Julius Berger Nigeria Plc finishes this work, you will be happy, your children will be happy, and everybody will be happy because you would have made the people happy.“

Governor Siminialayi Fubara of Rivers State said the road will connect communities in the state. “This Port Harcourt Ring Road project is not about connecting local government areas. It is about connecting communities The project is about new cities in Rivers State as accessability to the State capital will become far much easier“.

Governor Fubara urged full cooperation from leaders and youths of the communities in the six LGAs where the Ring Road will trasverse  saying, “I urge the communities where the project passes to cooperate with the State Government and the contractors for successful accomplishment oft the project. We seek your cooperation. Compensation will be paid . However, for any one or group who will try to sabotage us concerning the works oft he Port Harcourt Ring Road, we will bring down the big hammer on such individuals or group. As for Julius Berger, we all know you have a good reputation for doing quality projects. Please do not fail us“.

The group managing director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Lars Richter described the Port Harcourt Ring Road project as a sign of the continuing success of the State Government‘s and the company’s collective journey to progress. “The Ring Road will be a shining example not just of connecting places but connecting communities for development,“ Richter said, adding that the project will also alleviate traffic congestion in some parts of the communities even as great opportunities for solid foundation of  the communities will be build.

George Kelly Alabo, the state commissioner for works, gave the project‘s description: the project has been on the drawing board for decades. It has a length of 50.15 km with 45 km dual carriage way, 4.8 km of 6 flyovers and a 350m river-crossing bridge. The project will span six local government areas of the state, including, Okrika, Eleme, Etche, Ikwerre and Obi-Akpor.

However, Governor Fubara whose administration is less than 100 days, appears to have stirred up controversies in his early steps in governance with the big-ticket project. Varied reactions are already trailing the project.

First, the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC), the party in opposition, said in a statement that the entirety of the project was ‘stolen’ from former governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (2007–2015). According to Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, a chieftain of the party in the state, and a diehard Amaechi supporter, said the Port Harcourt Ring Road is credited to Amaechi. He knocked ex-governor Wike, and Governor Fubara for reducing the original distance from 88 km to 50 km; hiking the cost to N4 billion per kilometre. He said “the humongous cost is sheer thievery and qualifies the project as most expensive road on earth”.

Eze accused incumbent governor Fubara of “riding on the wings of Amaechi’s legacies, which confirms Wike’s eight-year reign as colossal failure, humongous wastage of time and resources”. However, he asks the governor to revive and complete Amaechi’s M10 dual carriageway.

Other reactions came from Rivers indigenes via the social media. Cyril Harry wondered: “Is there any immediate problem this project solves? How does this solve the Onne-Eleme-PH nightmare? How does it help the pensioner who has not received gratuity and so cannot start a business? It appears Rivers State is being run for Julius Berger – Sad”! Vega Victor: said, “I wonder oo! I thought they will even start from linking Eleme to Woji to free up Onne-Eleme horrible nightmare”. For Iyowuna Obomanu: “this project does not have any benefit to Riverine communities. What happens to people living in Borokiri”. Yet, Israel T. Tamuno Agbani said the humongous project completely excluded Okrika, Ogu/Bolo, Ndoni, Kalabari, Bonny, Opobo.

However, according to Stephen Barry: “the ring road project is worthwhile, but it will benefit the federal government more than the State. All the trucks, tankers, vessels and articulated vehicles, refineries and port operators pay their taxes directly to the federal government. The state government must consciously plan the fringes through zoning plans, subdivision plans, subject an action area plans as a way of creating organized space for prospective investors. Growth poles, site and services schemes are planning strategies that can help the government generate fund for the maintenance of the road. The project will improve the imageability of Port Harcourt metropolis”.

Also, Anthony Ndinyenma said, indeed you are one of the best things ever happened to Rivers people. You’re an asset to the Rivers State; and in fact, Nigeria as a whole. But my concerns on this critical infrastructure you’re about embarking upon now, is the duration of the completion of project. For me, 36 calendar months would not be achievable based on the sensitive nature of the areas. Four years to five years is a deal for me”.

For Anthony Briggs: the Ring Road project neglected Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, which is “one way in, one way out. There should be another way out of that axis please.

However, Bright Ndubueze wondered: Is Oyigbo not in Rivers State? They don’t have roads there. What is really happening to you guys? Emmanuel Ezekeoma corroborated, saying, “please is Oyigbo not included in Rivers State. I listened to the commissioner’s analysis; I did not hear him mention Oyigbo on this gigantic project”.

During the contract signing last week, Governor Fubara said of the N195.3 billon contract sum for the Port Harcourt Ring Road, the Rivers State Government will pay 77%, totalling about N150 billion to commence the works. He also assured the contractor, Julius Berger that the State Government was committed to paying the balance once it is certified that the construction company has completed about 75% of the job.

ENDS