As part of Urban renewal efforts in Rivers State, the Siminalayi Fubara led administration, has flagged off the construction of the new mega smart Port City in Eleme Local Government Area.
Governor Fubara,who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, disclosed that the development of new cities, urban renewal and development control is core to his administration’s strategy to ensure development spread and better the socio-economic welfare of Rivers people.
The Port Smart City construction, Africa Update gathered, is coming from a joint venture between the state government and Rainbow Heritage Group.
The Governor’s representative said: “The development of new cities and urban renewal is at the core of the programme of this government. Now development is following a new pattern where government and developers come in to partner with communities to ensure there is an orderly and well planned development system.
“Port Harcourt used to be referred to as the Garden City of Nigeria because it was properly organized with roads, trees, and amenities. There was an imminent decay due to overpopulation and successive government thought on what to do.
“Former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili introduced the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning; former Governor Chibuike Amaechi introduced the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA). This project marks the beginning of the new phase of the GPHCDA.
“We will ensure that there will be new cities springing up all across the state so we no longer have one city syndrome and decaying infrastructure but have several smart garden cities. We have already started one at the twenty-thousand TAF City development. The Port City is another, and talks are already on to construct yet another smart city also in Eleme LGA. We want to bring about a new and modern way of living in the state.
“Eleme Kingdom occupies a special place in this government. Do not see the project as only a project of Rivers State Government. It will bring along a lot of other industrial and commercial activities, which will galvanise the development of other businesses, industries, and towns around the project. Own the project so that it will be completed within the set time and continue to support our administration because more development is coming to Eleme.”
Commenting on the political situation in the State, he said: “A lot of the crisis you hear about are only being created to distract us because of the pace at which the government is carrying out people-centred development. We are focused, no matter the distraction. We are not looking at crisis but the people of Rivers State and development to ensure our people live, work, and do business in a 21st century environment.
“I appreciate the GPHCDA for driving the initiative. Continue to drive it to a logical conclusion tilk when we return to commission the completed New Port City. I commended the developers and I urge you to remain on track.
A stakeholder from the area and Nigeria’s former Ambasador to the Netherlands, Amb. Orji Ngoja thanked Governor Fubara for his holistic approach to development, while noting that the smart city project will serve the industries in Eleme and promote the environs as well as increase the well-being of Eleme people.
On his part, the Acting Administrator of Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, Dr. Tonte Davies, said: “It is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today on this momentous occasion — after the signing yesterday, of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and the Rainbow Heritage Group for the development of the New Port City in Eleme.
“Your Excellency, this event today marks yet another major milestone in the historic journey of development in Rivers State. Your vision to spread economic growth and development across the length and breadth of the state creating unending opportunities to Rivers people is quite commendable.Your consistency in giving necessary support and approvals to projects that are of high economic values to the state is quite inspiring and reassuring of the mantra of this administration – ‘RIVERS FIRST’.
“This signature project is aimed at providing a state-of-the-art urban and industrial hub that will give birth to a modern port city with advanced infrastructure, designed to boost economic growth and enhance regional connectivity.
Why Eleme?
The Greater Port Harcourt City Development master plan is premised on three Development nodes – the international airport, the old city and the Onne port, in Eleme Local Government area of Rivers State.
With the old city already built, the airport housing the Phase one of the new city, the next node is Eleme.
All of these are aimed at pulling and pushing development from the old city to this node – the Onne port in Eleme Local Government area of Rivers State.
Main Key features of the project include:
- Port Infrastructure: Development of port infrastructure that will support the Onne deep-water port to handle large cargo volumes, with facilities for shipping, logistics, and warehousing.
- Industrial Zones: Establishment of specialized industrial and manufacturing zones to attract global businesses and foster economic diversification.
- Commercial and Residential Areas: Creation of vibrant commercial districts, high-quality 4-tier residential neighborhoods of high, medium, medium-low and low densities, and mixed-use developments to accommodate a growing population and business community.
- Transportation Network: Integration of efficient transportation links, including roads, railways, walkways, bicycle lanes, etc. to ensure a healthy seamless connectivity within the city and other regions.
- Sustainability and Innovation: We have Incorporated sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology that will promote environmental responsibility and innovative urban planning into the new city plan.
- Social Amenities: Development of schools at various levels (crèche, junior and high schools), healthcare facilities, recreational areas including lakes for internal water sports, and cultural centers to enhance the quality of life for its residents.
This initiative is expected to position Eleme as a key economic and logistical hub in the region, driving growth and development while offering new opportunities for businesses and residents alike.
Your Excellency, thank you for believing in us, thank you for the zeal in the New City Project. The Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority is pleased to be part of this history. We shall continue to render services in accordance with our mandate, in total support of your administration, for the development of our dear State.
Today we are here in Eleme, breaking ground for the the development of the New Port City, who knows where next!
Also speaking, the GMD of Rainbow Heritage Group, Biedima Oliver, which is the private partners to the Port City development, stressed that, the project will serve as a symbolic display of what can be achieved when a visionary government, private partnership and communities come together to achieve a common goal. He promised that they would ensure the project delivers in harmony with the economic advantages of the state guided by inclusivity, sustainability, and dedication to excellence.
The Caretaker Committee Chairman of Eleme local governmentarea, Hon. Ajuriebie Gokpa thanked Governor Fubara for choosing Eleme to position the project whilst promising that the people would always stand with his administration.
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