Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the reconstructed 19.79-kilometre Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, describing the project as a major boost to transportation, security and economic activities across the state’s riverine communities.
The road, executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, connects communities across the Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The rehabilitation became necessary after years of deterioration had subjected residents and motorists to significant hardship while exposing road users to security risks.
Speaking during the commissioning, Fubara said the project was driven by a personal commitment he made after witnessing the deplorable condition of the road during an earlier visit to the area.
“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. Because of its state, a lot of evil activities were taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or carried out along that corridor again,” the governor said.
Fubara said the rehabilitation contract was awarded in September 2024 and completed within record time, stressing that his administration remained focused on delivering infrastructure capable of directly improving the quality of life of residents.
According to him, improved road infrastructure in the riverine areas would not only ease movement but also create a more conducive environment for economic activities and strengthen security.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another strategic road project designed to connect several coastal communities in the state.
Fubara appealed to residents to remain supportive of the administration’s development efforts, acknowledging that some projects might not be completed during his tenure.
“I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all your requests today, don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the reconstructed road met the required state standards and incorporated modern engineering features designed to improve its durability and safety.
He said the pavement comprised 50-millimetre asphaltic binder and wearing courses, while the project also involved the rehabilitation of seven existing bridges across Ido, Abalama and neighbouring communities.
Nwofor added that streetlights, concrete walkways, culverts and reinforced concrete drainage channels measuring between 0.5 and 2.2 metres in width were also provided as part of the project.
He explained that the combination of road, bridge and drainage infrastructure was designed to enhance the longevity of the corridor and improve connectivity among communities in the riverine areas.
The completion of the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road is expected to ease transportation, improve access to markets and other economic centres, and strengthen links between communities that have historically faced significant mobility challenges.
The project further underscores the strategic importance of road infrastructure in opening up Rivers State’s riverine communities and facilitating greater economic and social integration.
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