Return of Fubara: Hope returns to N195bn PH Ring Road project
Hopes are high that the N195bn Port Harcourt Ring Road would be completed after all. The hope seems to stem from the return to duty of Gov Sim Fubara who went on six months suspension ordered by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over political crisis in Rivers Station fueled by the dispute between Fubara and hos godfather, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister.
The 62.3km road project which was the first major project awarded by Fubara after his assumption of office in May 2023, when both godson and godfather were in cozy relationship, meaning that the choice of contractor (Julius Berger) was not an issue.
Problem however came during the state of emergency when work seemed to stop and demand for variation was placed. The sole administrator, Ibok Ekwe Ibas, accused the contractor of sabotaging the project by demanding for upward review to N367.5bn. There seemed to be stalemate.
Read also: Restarting the SIM as fire welcomes Fubara back to office
Now, Gov Fubara has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the completion of the project, despite what he called setbacks that he said slowed its progress.
The Governor gave the assurance during an on-site inspection tour of the project on Monday, where he emphasised that the state government remained resolute in its determination to deliver the massive infrastructure for public use.
Addressing government house correspondents at the Eneka Flyover axis of the project, Gov Fubara stated that his visit was to verify the level of compliance and commitment shown by the construction firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Gov Fubara noted that discussions with the contractor had been ongoing to ensure that work resumes at full capacity after a period of financial challenges that affected the project’s continuity.
“You are aware that this project was, I won’t say abandoned, but somehow, for lack of funds, the contractor withdrew from the site. We have been discussing with them, and they gave me their word that although we have not finished all the discussions, they have already moved back to site, and I’m here to confirm that.”
The Governor described the project, which traverses six local government areas, as one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in the state’s history, noting that its completion would not only ease traffic congestion in the capital city but also stimulate economic activities across multiple local government areas.
“I want to make this promise to our good people. This project that we started, by the special grace of God, we are going to complete it. We owe our people a responsibility to deliver on our commitments, and this project will not be an exception,” he added.
