The
construction of the imposing Rumuogba Flyover Bridge in the heart of
Port Harcourt has been flagged off by Oyo State Governor, Seyi
Makinde.
Performing the flag off on behalf of
the Rivers State Government in a ceremony attended by Rivers Prominent
Leaders and Traditional Rulers on Tuesday, the Oyo State Governor
declared that Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has developed a legacy of
promises kept.
The Rumuogba Flyover Bridge is
one of the three flyover bridges that Governor Wike promised the good
people of Rivers State during his inauguration for a second term.
Governor
Makinde said: “This is what the Rivers State Governor promised the
people of Rivers State and he is delivering on his promise.
“By
paying 70percent in advance, Governor Wike is saying that there
should be no variation. He has provided the yam, he has provided the
knife and nothing should stop the peeling of the yam.
“During his first term, Governor Wike was known as Mr Projects. Uptill now he is still Mr Projects.”
He said that by investing in good roads, Governor Wike is improving the economy of Rivers State.
“Good roads mean easier commute for the people of Rivers State. This will easily resort to economic development for the state.
“Bad roads mean wastage of manhour. The investment in roads is for the good of our people.
“With
70percent of the funds released, Julius Berger is duty bound to use
the funds judiciously. I urge Governor Wike to maintain this energy and
momentum “, he said.
Makinde said that the
Oyo State Government under his leadership is also delivering democracy
dividends. He said that the construction of Iwo Interchange is one of
such initiatives.
In his address, Rivers
State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike informed that the Rivers State
Government has released 70percent of the total contract sum to Julius
Berger.
“We will pay the balance when the
construction work gets to 90percent . We have paid you during the rainy
season. So you will work during rainy season. The 16months slated for
the completion of the three flyover bridges started on the day we paid.
That is our agreement with Julius Berger “, he said.
Governor
Wike announced that the bridge will be called Rumuogba Flyover bridge.
He said Artillery is a military concept, pointing out that the Rivers
State Government is committed to promoting names of communities where
projects are sited.
The Governor charged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to use Rivers People as sub-contractors for the projects.
“We
have sourced money to pay for these projects. Therefore, all the
sub-contractors should be from Rivers State .U will not be happy with
Julius Berger if they do anything different “, he said.
He
urged the Traditional Ruler of the area to work hard to ensure that the
youths cooperate with the contractor to deliver on the project.
He said that he will personally supervise the project to ensure that Julius Berger does not face any hindrance.
Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr Walter Ndu said that the
Rumuogba Flyover Bridge will cover a length of 517.5metres, with a width
of 14.6metres.
He said that the bridge has
two roundabouts and will be a dual carriageway. He assured that the
Ministry will provide the necessary technical supervision to ensure
that the project is delivered in line with approved specifications.
Paramount
Ruler of Rumuogba Town, Eze Temple Ejekwu commended Governor Wike for
the project. He urged the Rivers State Governor to change the name of
the bridge from Artillery to Rumuogba Flyover Bridge.
Project
Manager of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr Daniel Bliss assured that the
company will deliver the work on schedule and in line with
specifications.
Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local
Government Area, Solomon Eke said the people of the Area are happy with
the project delivery efforts of the Rivers State Governor.
Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media. 22nd October, 2019.