Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has assured residents that the over 50-kilometre Port Harcourt Ring Road project will be completed and delivered by October this year.

 

The governor gave the assurance on Tuesday while speaking to journalists after inspecting the ongoing road project, which traverses about five local government areas of the state. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to completing the project despite prevailing political and economic challenges.

 

Governor Fubara noted that the Ring Road is designed to ease traffic congestion within the Port Harcourt metropolis and surrounding communities, while also serving as a major bypass to improve mobility and economic activities in the state capital.

 

According to him, the construction firm handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, has reiterated its readiness to meet the October delivery deadline, provided funding remains consistent.

 

He assured that his administration would continue to make funds available to ensure uninterrupted progress on the project, in line with its commitment to the people of Rivers State.

 

“If you could remember, the project was supposed to be for about 36 months, and we felt we are already close to that 36 months. We needed to really confirm the level of progress the company has made,” Fubara said.

 

“In the course of our discussion, they are still assuring us that by October they will deliver the project, and I strongly believe this promise I make to my people will be delivered. What they need is the funds, and from my own end is the push.”

 

The governor described the Ring Road as a strategic infrastructure project conceived by his predecessor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, noting that it remains central to Rivers State’s long-term urban and economic development plan.

 

Fubara recalled that Wike had expressed the desire that the successful completion of the project would earn him the appreciation and gratitude of the people of the state, adding that he was determined to fulfil that vision for the benefit of present and future generations.

 

“This project is very important considering the person who conceived it, my Oga, the Honourable Minister. He had a very big vision. He believed that if I achieved this project in record time, people would be happy with me,” the governor said.

 

“Notwithstanding whatever is happening, it is also my wish and my struggle to ensure that that wish comes through.

 

“So you can understand the importance of this project to us and to everyone who means well for our dear state.”

 

The Port Harcourt Ring Road project was flagged off at the beginning of the Fubara administration with a projected completion timeline of 36 months. When completed, the road is expected to significantly decongest the state capital and improve transportation across Rivers State.