Boniface Onyedi
Today, there is nothing exuding more exhilaration and positive reactions than the thoughts of the superlative policy actions of one passionate leader as Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
It is apt, because he is meeting the expectations of the people against the befuddled thoughts of detractors who strive to demarket the state by all means possible including unnecessary blackmail and provocation of the people.
What else could be more encouraging and exciting than his passion to deliver quality infrastructure in advancing a greater Rivers State under the consolidation agenda. One thing is clear, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has gone through the tutelage of governance and totally understands the basic infrastructure needs that could stimulate development and trigger economic prosperity.
As a seasoned technocrat and accountant, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is strategically deploying Rivers State resources in a more prudent manner that benefits the welfare and interest of the people since assumption of office.
On July 17, 2023, history was made as Governor Siminalayi Fubara embarked on one of the most ambitious projects ever carried out by any governor in Rivers State at a time. The 50.15 kilometers Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road worth over N195billion with 6 flyovers and one river crossing bridge is not just a mere pronouncement of idea but already an idea in action taking assertive shape. The speed with which the project is advancing shows that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is in a hurry to deliver that landmark project before due date of 3 years completion deadline. This underscores his commitment from the onset when he made 77% down payment worth over N150billion charging the contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to expedite action in ensuring quality and speedy delivery. True to his charge, the ring road being handled simultaneously from six locations by the construction giant is progressively taking shape.
This most celebrated project has street lights, walkways, drains and navigates through six local government areas of the state and geared towards uniting Rivers people and opening up opportunities for all.
Beside this tunkey project, Governor Siminalayi Fubara is deeply committed to creating alternative routes that will ease off commuting for not only the citizens, but investors and business consigns across the state. This necessitated his awarding the contract for the reconstruction of the 10 kilometers Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo road (old Port Harcourt-Bori road) in Eleme Local Government Area. Significantly this road like its counterpart the 6.5 kilometers Woji-Aleto-Alesa-Refinery link road are strategic in taking every commuter off the East-West road to ease movement of goods and people. The passion to deliver quality infrastructure further encouraged his pushing the work at the Bori internal roads and the Elelenwo internal roads flagged off as part of his 100 days in office.
To demonstrate his avowed commitment to due process and frugality, Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved the process in awarding the contract for the 33.5 kilometers dual carriage Elele-Egbeda-Ikiri-Omoku road through publication of its bidding process in national dailies. It is certain that as soon as the processes are completed, the bulldozers will roar on that flange and open the area to the world.
There is one thing certain about Governor Siminalayi Fubara and that is the premium he places on quality infrastructure which is a testament to the ongoing Rivers/TAF City 20,000 low income earners housing units project. The speed of execution underscores his determination to urgently resolve the challenges of shelter among low income earners in the state.
These efforts are further complemented by the urban renewal agenda and opening up new cities to decongest existing ones. Currently, his administration embarked on changing street lights to solar powered systems in compliance with renewable and alternative energy policies.
Indeed, no one thinks smartly as the simple Sir Siminalayi Fubara in delivering both quality and value to Rivers people by building infrastructure for sustainable development.
These facts, will remain elusive to detractors, but an illumination before true Rivers people who see its interest above the primordial. #SmartWorkingSim #SIMplifiedProjects
Boniface Onyedi,
Senior Special Assistant, Media to the Governor of Rivers State
Friday, March 15, 2024
