By Amieyeofori Ibim, Port Harcourt
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed dissatisfaction with the slow pace and substandard quality of work on the 14.5-kilometer Ndele/Omofo/Egamini/Agba-Ndele Road project, located off the East–West Road in Emohua Local Government Area.
Speaking to newsmen during an inspection tour of the project on Tuesday, Governor Fubara said the performance of the contracting firm, Messrs Stream Co. & Equipment Limited, fell below acceptable standards.
The Governor, who was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, noted that the firm lacked the capacity to deliver the project satisfactorily and hinted at an imminent contract review.
“I can say here already that the contractor handling the road from the bridge to the East–West Road is not doing a good job. I’m not happy about it. When I get back, there will be a need to review that contract because I’m not impressed. They don’t have the capacity, and we need capacity because we must have value for whatever money we’re spending,” Fubara stated.
The Governor, however, commended Setraco Nigeria Limited for the quality and speed of work on the 240-meter Agba-Ndele/Abua Bridge, a major component of the project. He explained that the bridge, which his administration inherited, would significantly improve inter-community connectivity in the area upon completion.
Fubara noted that the bridge will link communities in Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas, offering an alternative route to the East–West Road and reducing travel time for commuters.
“Where we are standing on is a bridge connecting Abua/Odual, Ahoada-East, and Emohua Local Government Areas. The community connected to this bridge is Agba-Ndele. Instead of running through the East–West Road to Ahoada-East and heading into Port Harcourt or out of it, this bridge provides easy access for the Abua/Odual people to cross into Emohua, Agba-Ndele, and access the East–West Road in minutes,” he explained.
Governor Fubara expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use by early 2026, praising Setraco’s competence and adherence to quality standards. He emphasized that projects of such importance must be executed by firms with proven capacity to meet government expectations.
He further highlighted that the bridge would serve as a vital economic corridor for farmers and traders, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and enhancing rural commerce.
“I’m really impressed with what I’ve seen on the bridge. I’m very sure that before the end of January, it might be completely ready for us to walk through and even drive across,” he added.
Reaffirming his development vision, Governor Fubara said his administration remains committed to delivering infrastructure that promotes connectivity, trade, and social integration across Rivers State.
He disclosed that the deplorable Abua/Ahoada Road would soon receive government attention and has been proposed for inclusion in the 2026 state budget.
“Our vision is to connect the entire Rivers State together, especially communities that have challenges of access. The bridge here connects Abua/Odual and Ahoada-East to Emohua and Port Harcourt. It will ease movement, promote trade, and boost our economy because agriculture is strong on this side. Moving goods to the city won’t be a problem anymore,” the Governor said.
Governor Fubara reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for mediocrity and underscored the importance of ensuring that every public project delivers value for money and meets the aspirations of the Rivers people.
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