The Rivers State Executive Council, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has authorized the award of a N222.1 billion contract for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road project.
This decision was made during a recent council meeting held at the Government House and attended by key government officials including the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu.
The project, which will be funded using savings from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), marks a significant investment in the state's infrastructure development.
According to the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, 30 percent of the mobilization fee has already been paid to the contractor.
The construction period for the project is set at 32 months, with immediate mobilization of resources expected at the site.
Speaking on the specifics of the project, Commissioner Johnson highlighted that the Trans-Kalabari Road will commence from NSS Pathfinder, extending approximately 2 kilometers to Aker Base Road in Rumuolumeni Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
The road will traverse challenging terrain, including swamps and rivers, necessitating the construction of several bridges, decks, and piling works.
"This is about the third phase of us generating fund internally for our road projects without going to anywhere to borrow money," Commissioner Johnson emphasized, underlining the state's commitment to self-sufficiency in funding critical infrastructure.
Dr. Ine Briggs, the acting Director General of Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (RSBOPP), assured that the contract award process adhered diligently to all necessary procurement procedures and guidelines, ensuring value for money and fitness for purpose.
In addition to the infrastructure investment, Rivers State has recently celebrated significant achievements in the sporting arena, with Rivers United emerging champions of the maiden Nigeria Premier Football League U17 Youth League and recording successes in beach volleyball, chess, and table tennis competitions at the national level.
