Travel time, access to markets in Port Harcourt and boost in Tourism would soon be the lot of Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) begins construction of a bridge connecting Okrika with Port Harcourt.

NDDC’s Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku made this disclosure on Thursday, July 19, 2023 during an interactive session with the Press in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Checks by Kristina Reports revealed that the bridge will connect the ATC axis of Okrika with Borikiri in Port Harcourt cutting through Ibaka, Ogoloma, and other communities.

Currently, travelers have to either spend several hours traveling through Refinery Road connecting them to the Nchia, Agbonchina, Alesa and Aleto Communities in Eleme LGA along the East/West Road bringing them to Port Harcourt.

This route splits up at Akpajo Community in Eleme LGA where travelers either use the Old Refinery Road or Elelenwo Community through Eleme Junction along Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway. Both of which increases travel time especially with the traffic snarls in that axis.

Alternatively, travelers from Okrika utilize the water transport route from ATC Waterfront and arrive at Marine Base Waterfront, entering Port Harcourt through Marine Base Road connecting to Moscow Road and head to either State Secretariat on the right or Hospital Road on the left.

The NDDC CEO disclosed that construction of the bridge is expected to span two years, though he did not state the cost of the project or which contractor will handle it.

He explained that several projects have been earmarked to done in different communities across the State and Niger Delta region, pointing out that the link bridge was particularly identified as key for the people of Okrika LGA and is set to commence by next week.

“We are looking at projects we can pick up and complete. We do not want to take on too many projects that we cannot complete in good time.”

“The contractor has assured us that by next week, they will be on site and can complete the project in two years.”

Reacting to this development, an indigene of Okrika, who did not want to disclose his identity, observed, however, that though the project is good, there are other projects that are a matter of necessity.

“Instead of this bridge, they would have done the link road from Okochiri leading to Onne in Eleme Local Government Area so that there will be free movement for Onne workers and traders.”

Also, a staff member of the Okrika Local Government Council, who preferred anonymity, commended NDDC for the project but clarified that the Okrika LG Council was not involved in the project as it was not aware.

“We cannot say we know anything because they have not interfaced with us nor sent any felicitation where we can assume we are involved and also support the project by ensuring the safety of the contractors during the course of this project.”

“Looking at this project, it runs into millions of naira, which is way bigger than us.”