Governor Fubara Inaugurates 10km Road in Rivers State Amidst Controversy Over Abia State Road Costs | #NwokeukwuMascot
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...How Governor Otti Inaugurated 10.98km Road Built for N6.7Bn After Awarding 6.7km Road for N32bn in Abia | #NwokeukwuMascot
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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State inaugurated a newly constructed 10km road in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in his first year in office. The project, completed at a cost of N6.7 billion, aims to provide a crucial bypass to alleviate traffic on the deteriorating East-West Road.
At the ceremony, Governor Fubara highlighted the importance of the new road, stating, "This bypass serves as an alternative route to sections of the East-West road that are currently not motorable. This gesture demonstrates that our government has the support and interest of the federal government."
Governor Fubara emphasized his commitment to good governance and improving the lives of the people, aligning his efforts with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. "I will continue to identify with good governance and with those who want to impact the lives of our people," he said. "I will also join in giving them hope in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda."
The project, awarded on August 14, 2023, was completed within eight months and fully paid for, showcasing efficient project management and execution.
In his address, Mr. Alex Otti who commissioned the project congratulated Governor Fubara on his achievement, praising his dedication to public service. "Leadership is about serving the people," Otti remarked. "We have collaborated for a long time, and it's clear that the governor is well-prepared and focused on the welfare of the people. The dividends of democracy you are witnessing now indicate the delivery of more projects in the near future."
However, this positive development in Rivers State has drawn comparisons to controversial road construction costs in neighboring Abia State. An analysis of the KMPG report on Abia State Government from May 29, 2015, to May 29, 2023, revealed questionable contract awards under former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Track Care Global Construction Company Limited, owned by Mr. Timothy Iheoma, was awarded 28 contracts worth over N76 billion, while Tunnel End Construction Company, owned by Engr Enyinnaya Nwafor, received N1.1 billion for 11 projects.
Critics have raised concerns over the cost disparity, questioning why the reconstruction of the 6.7km Port Harcourt Road (Portharcourt Road Aba is not the express road from Enugu to Porharcourt) in Aba cost Abia State N30 billion when a company could complete 28 construction projects for N78 billion. Some argue that rising costs of fuel, construction materials, and labor contribute to the high expenses, yet neighboring states manage similar projects at lower costs. For instance, Rivers State recently awarded the 5km Okania-Ogbogoro road construction to CCECC for N6.7 billion, expected to be completed in five months. In contrast, the expansion of the 3.5km Ossah Road in Umuahia, Abia State, awarded to Cranberg Construction Company, is reported to cost over N8 billion.
The stark differences in project costs between Rivers and Abia States continue to fuel debates on governance and financial prudence in infrastructure development.
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