Some Kalabari Sons have expressed excitement over the approval of N222.1billion for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road by the Rivers State Government.

The State Executive Council presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, and other members of Council in attendance, gave the approval on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Government House, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, said the project will be funded with savings from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and allocations from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

In a telephone chat with Kristina Reports on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 in Port Harcourt, an entrepreneur and Kalabari native, Jack Tieyekikiba, described the news of the approval as “a welcome development, commending the Governor for awarding the contract.

“Truly, it’s a welcome development to the Kalabari region and we give kudos to His Excellency, Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State Executive Council that humbly approved the award of the contract for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road project.”

Tieyekikiba, an engineer and the Assistant Public Relations Officer of the Grassroots Mobilizers for Sim, noted that the award of the contract does not only underscore the value the Governor places on the Kalabari people but an indication that a new dawn of governance has birthed in the State.

Also, speaking with Kristina Reports on the development, a former Chairman of Degema LGA, Sogbeye Eli welcomed the news of the approval, pointing out that the project holds strategic advantages for opening up the Kalabari axis as a development hub.

“This is a most welcome development. That project is very strategic in the expansion of economic and social activities in the State.”

“It will also help in advancing the old PABOD model of decentralized development to decongest the State capital. The Trans-Kalabari is long overdue and I thank Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his courage to bring this to pass.”

“I pray for him to remain focused on his journey. Let God’s wisdom guide him while peace, unity and tangible development across the length and breadth of Rivers State crown his terms in office.”

The Information Commissioner stated that 30 percent mobilisation fee has already been paid for the project that has a completion period of 32 months, adding that the contractor is expected to move men and materials to site immediately.

“We have awarded contract to the tune of N225,114,563,830.02 kobo only for the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road. This is the main Trans-Kalabari Road. The one that had happened in the past, was building of bridges.”

“But here, we are doing a Trans-Kalabari Road that is going to run from NSS Pathfinder immediately after Mgbuodohia Community, and extends to about 2 KM to the Aker Base Road in Rumuolumeni Community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.”

“That road will pass through the swamps behind the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Rumuolumeni, moving southwards towards the first bridge crossing. The road continues through a series of bridges. That road will run, connecting many communities up to Tombia Town.”

“That project will be completed in 32 months, and we are paying from our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and Federal allocations. We are not going to be borrowing money for that project.”

“That is about the third phase of us generating fund internally for our road projects without going to anywhere to borrow money.”

Johnson pointed out that the contractual sum of N225.1billion is bigger than the expenditure on the Port Harcourt Ring Road project because, according to him, the Trans-Kalabari Road traverses very difficult terrain comprising swamps, rivers and creeks upon which series of bridges, decking and piling works will be executed.

In her briefing, the acting Director General of Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement (RSBOPP), Ine Briggs, PhD, explained that the Bureau diligently managed the proceedings leading to the award of the contract.

“Having reviewed the submissions of Ministry of Works; having examined all the supporting documents presented by the ministry; having fulfilled all the necessary procurement procedures, guidelines as prescribed by the Rivers State Public Procurement Law 2008 as amended.

“Having satisfied that the value for money proposition, fitness for purpose, value for money has been adhered to. Having been convinced that this project will stimulate economic activities socially and bring about development in these areas, the Bureau is satisfied that all the elements leading to this award is sufficient to issue a certificate of no objection.

“Therefore, in consideration of all the relevant documents submitted by the Ministry of Works pursuant and the construction of Trans-Kalabari Road and bridges, the Bureau has issued the certificate of no objection, and that the contract be awarded to Lubrick Construction Company Limited.”