Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara has unveiled the reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, a major transport corridor linking communities across the Asari-Toru, Degema, and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The project, a 19.79 kilometre road was executed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, brings to an end the nightmares of man- hour loss and insecurity associated with the route. The long stretch of road was in a very deplorable condition before the Fubara administration awarded the contract for its rehabilitation in September 2024.
Governor Fubara disclosed that the completion of the project with record time is the fulfillment of a personal commitment made after witnessing the severe degradation of the road during a previous visit to the area.
“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.
I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.
“I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said
Governor Fubara reiterated that his desire for the state is not just about embarking on projects but in doing those things that will touch the lives of the people positively. He reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project linking several coastal communities in the state. Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the people for their love and cooperation especially for allowing the contractors to do their jobs without hitches.
“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans- Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today,don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.
Special Guest of Honour, the Amanyanabo of Abonnema Kingdom, King Desrael Gbobo Bob-Manuel, who officially commissioned the project, commended the state government for its rapid Infrastructure development, noted that the rehabilitation of the road
has drastically improved travel time, safety and the living conditions of the people.
“In the past, for you to leave any of our communities to Port Harcourt, you must, as a matter of fact, go into a one-day fasting and prayers the previous day. Otherwise, you are not sure you will get to your destination.
“Today, I can leave my palace in Abonnema by 10:00 AM, and I will be wherever I want to be in Port Harcourt before 11:00 AM,” the royal father said.
King Bob-Manuel stated that the reconstructed road will not only enable the local fishermen to transport their catch directly to urban markets in Port Harcourt for better profit margins, but will open the riverine communities to new investments.