By Ofem John Obongha, JKNewsMedia Intern
DETERMINATION TO deliver one of Rivers State’s most ambitious infrastructure projects was once again restated as Governor Siminalayi Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the 62.65-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road.
The Governor made the pledge during an on-site inspection tour of sections of the project at the weekend, where he confirmed that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has remobilised to the project site.
Fubara described the Port Harcourt Ring Road as one of the most significant undertakings in the history of the state, designed to ease traffic congestion, open up communities, and stimulate economic growth across the state’s metropolitan areas.
Addressing journalists after the inspection, the Governor explained that the project had experienced temporary setbacks due to financial constraints but assured residents that the government is fully back on track.
“I am here this afternoon to confirm the commitment that Julius Berger gave to us. We have been in talks with them. We are aware that these projects were all— I wouldn’t say abandoned—but somehow, for lack of funds, the contractor withdrew from the site,” Fubara stated.
He continued, “We have been discussing with them, and they gave me their word that, although we have not finished all the discussions, they will move into the site, and I am here to confirm that. Let me make this promise to our good people of Rivers State: this project that we started, by the special grace of God, we are going to complete it.”
The Governor reiterated that his administration’s focus on infrastructure renewal remains unwavering, adding that the Port Harcourt Ring Road is a cornerstone project under his development agenda.
He also commended Julius Berger for its role in the state’s infrastructural development over the years, describing the construction firm as a trusted partner with a strong record of delivery.
“We trust that Julius Berger will continue to be a stakeholder in the infrastructural development of Rivers State,” he said. “Following our recent meetings and discussions, I can confirm that they have already moved back to site.”
Confirming the Governor’s remarks, the project’s Site Engineer, Mike Andrae, said work had resumed on several sections of the project, particularly the flyovers and bridges.
“We have remobilised to site and more is ongoing,” Andrae said. “Right now, we have bridge works to complete on Flyovers 1 and 3. After that, asphalting will begin there. But on Flyover 5, we only have asphalting remaining to be done there.”
On the projected completion date, the engineer noted that while the original contract timeline set delivery for mid-2026, efforts are now being made to bring that forward.
“When we signed the contract, we had mid-2026 to deliver the project,” he explained. “But with the delays we encountered during the year, we are expecting that this project will be completed by December next year.”
Located at the heart of Rivers State, the Port Harcourt Ring Road project is a monumental dual-carriageway stretching 50.15 kilometres and linking six local government areas—Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo. It includes six flyovers and a river-crossing bridge designed to enhance transportation efficiency across the state.
Awarded in July 2023 with a 36-month completion schedule, the project was conceived as a lasting solution to the city’s infrastructure challenges by creating a circular road network connecting major neighbourhoods, industrial corridors, and suburban areas.
The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, stimulate economic activities, and improve urban liveability across the Port Harcourt metropolis.
The state government has consistently described the project as a transformative investment that will not only enhance connectivity but also create thousands of direct and indirect jobs for residents.
Beyond the ring road, Julius Berger has also reported significant progress on several other state infrastructure projects under the Fubara administration.
According to project updates, work on the over 31-kilometre Ahaoda-Omoku dual-carriage road has been substantially completed, except for the installation of streetlights and related finishing works.
The about 9-kilometre Port Harcourt-Emohua-Abonnema 2 road project has also reached an advanced stage, with major earthworks, asphalting, and U-channel construction progressing rapidly.
At the Port Harcourt-Buguma-Abonnema road project, Julius Berger engineers are currently concentrating on the construction of U-channels ahead of other related works expected in the coming weeks.
Governor Fubara maintained that the state government remains resolute in ensuring timely completion of all ongoing projects to deliver on the administration’s infrastructure commitments and improve the quality of life for Rivers people.
