PORT HARCOURT— Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has given Raffoul Nigeria Limited, the contractor responsible for the crucial 6.5-kilometre Woji–Aleto–Alesa–Refinery Road, a strict one-month deadline to complete the long-delayed project or face immediate contract termination.
The Governor issued the definitive order on Friday during an unscheduled inspection of the project site, where he was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Projects, Mr. Hebron Wisdom. Governor Fubara expressed profound disappointment with the slow pace of work, noting the contractor’s failure to deliver despite significant state support.
The road, which includes a vital 200-metre bridge, has been a major point of concern. Governor Fubara revealed that his administration had extended multiple opportunities and financial incentives to the firm, but with little to show for it.
“We came to visit one of our sites, and I must say I feel highly disappointed,” Governor Fubara stated. “This project was awarded about June, 2020, by my predecessor. I even went as far as giving them two variations to enable them achieve a good proportion of this job. But to my greatest surprise, there is no progress to show for it.”
The Governor recalled that the project had been previously evaluated for cancellation during a past emergency administration in the state. He warned Raffoul that he would not hesitate to revert to that original position if the deadline is missed.
“If they can’t complete this job in the next one month, I will stick to that position of the administrator as at when the emergency rule was on in the state,” he declared.
Beyond the issue of delay, Governor Fubara also fiercely condemned ongoing dredging activities dangerously close to the bridge structure, describing the practice as both unsafe and unacceptable.
“How could a normal human being be dredging very close to a bridge? Is it proper?” he queried, visibly frustrated.
He issued a personal and unequivocal warning to those involved in the illegal activities, emphasizing the threat to the structural integrity of the public asset. “If I come here any other time or get any information that dredging activity is being conducted around this area, I will personally supervise and destroy the dredger myself.”
Governor Fubara concluded by stressing his administration’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure across Rivers State, affirming that the state will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any contractor that fails to meet contractual obligations.
This report provides a clear account of the Governor’s decisive action. Would you like a follow-up article detailing the significance of the Woji–Aleto–Alesa–Refinery Road to the local economy?
