Port Harcourt, Rivers State — Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has expressed immense satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the on-going Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that the contractor has achieved a landmark completion of nearly 75 per cent of the most technically demanding phase: the piling work.
The Governor made the encouraging disclosure on Monday following a rigorous, on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre thoroughfare, a pivotal infrastructure programme designed to forge a land link between the state capital and numerous Kalabari communities situated across the sea.
To personally appraise the advancement of the complex engineering feat, Governor Fubara travelled by boat from a jetty in Rumuolumeni, navigating the intricate network of rivers and creeks that delineate the project’s challenging route.
The Trans-Kalabari Road was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited on 15 May 2024, with an initial completion timeline of 32 months. The Governor’s visit served to verify reports from the Ministry of Works concerning the project’s advancement, which he commended as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
Governor Fubara detailed the scale of the undertaking: “The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex.”
He continued, highlighting the significant milestone achieved: “But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved.”
The Governor reiterated that the marine landscape makes the Trans-Kalabari Road one of the most technically demanding infrastructure programmes in the state’s history, but he reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering resolve to deliver it on schedule, and potentially, well ahead of the contractual deadline.
The strategic importance of this development cannot be overstated, as the road is expected to substantially transform the socio-economic life of the region by seamlessly connecting the expansive Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt. This link is anticipated to spur a rapid stimulation of commerce, tourism, and movement across the riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded,” Governor Fubara stated, adding an ambitious forecast: “By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge.”
Governor Fubara concluded by assuring the populace of Rivers State that his administration remains singularly focused on delivering such transformative infrastructure projects. He affirmed, “We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment.”
