The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has assured the people of Okrika and Rivers State that the Okrika-Borokiri bridge project, which has been abandoned for 12 years, will soon be reopened and completed by the current NDDC Board as part of its legacy projects in Rivers State.
The commission provided this assurance on Tuesday through the Executive Director, Finance and Administration (EDFA), Boma Iyayi, at a Stakeholders Interactive Forum on the “Borokiri Okrika Bridge Project.”
In his remarks at the forum, Iyayi stated that the project had been earmarked by the current NDDC Board, along with the Kar-Ataba project, as two legacy projects that must be delivered in Rivers State.
He explained that the project began in 2012 but was stalled for several reasons, including the fact that the NDDC had not received a budget approval in the past four years. As these projects were budgeted for, nothing could be done without an approved budget from the National Assembly.
However, he added that the current Board had included the projects in the approved budget, which has been implemented by the National Assembly. He also mentioned that work had recommenced on the Kar-Ataba bridge, with the contractor assuring that it would be delivered within 6 to 10 months.
The EDFA of the NDDC explained that the purpose of the interactive session was to provide the people with an opportunity to take ownership of the project and cooperate with the contractor to ensure its timely completion.
He said, “We cannot restart the project without involving the stakeholders. This interactive forum is to discuss and eliminate any issues that could delay the project’s delivery. We are assuring you that there are enough funds in the budget to commence and complete the project. The Kar-Ataba project has already started, with the contractor assuring that in the next 6 to 10 months, cars will be driving from Kar-Ataba.”
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He urged the people of the area to avoid politicizing such a developmental project, which holds significant economic and social benefits for the people, and called on everyone to lend their support for the timely completion of the project.
In his goodwill message, the Ananyanabo of Kerike Kingdom in Rivers State, King Air Commodore (Rtd) Tansiki Ogube, also urged the people to put aside their political differences and support any good initiative coming to Okrika. He assured the NDDC that his people would not disrupt any positive development coming their way. He described the project as one of the best initiatives they have received since the creation of Okrika Local Government Area.
However, he urged the commission to ensure that a competent contractor is awarded the bridge contract. “Give us a good contractor. My candid advice to the NDDC is to give us a reputable contractor for that project.”
He commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the project and assured him of the people’s support, saying, “Anyone who seeks to cause trouble will face the consequences.”
Also speaking, King Acheseinimie Micah-Frank, Chairman of Bolo Council of Chiefs, advised the youths to take ownership of the project. He said, “Let us keep politics where it belongs and development where it belongs.”
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