Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has completed and delivered a 19.79-kilometre Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road in Rivers State, alongside the rehabilitation of seven bridges along the corridor.
Gatekeepers News reports that the project, which cuts across Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas, was commissioned on Monday in the presence of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, traditional rulers, community leaders, government officials, residents and other stakeholders.
The newly completed road is expected to improve connectivity among communities along the corridor, reduce travel time, enhance road safety and provide better access to businesses, properties and economic opportunities.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Director of Administration of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Abdulazziz Kaita, described the project as a major contribution to the state government’s infrastructure development agenda.
Kaita said the successful completion of the road demonstrated the company’s technical capacity, professionalism and commitment to delivering quality infrastructure in Rivers State.
“This project represents a significant contribution to the Rivers State Government’s infrastructure development agenda and will greatly enhance accessibility and connectivity among communities within the three local government areas,” he said.
He noted that the project was delivered despite the exceptional circumstances surrounding the six-month period of Emergency Rule in Rivers State.
According to Kaita, Julius Berger remained committed to applying high engineering standards and deploying the expertise and resources required to deliver infrastructure capable of providing lasting value to communities.
“We are confident that this road will enhance connectivity among the beneficiary communities, improve accessibility, stimulate economic activities and contribute positively to the overall development of Rivers State,” he said.
Fubara Commends Julius Berger, Host Communities
Governor Fubara commended Julius Berger for executing the project to the required standards and appreciated the host communities for their cooperation throughout the construction period.
The governor described the road as a critical gateway to Abalama and neighbouring communities, saying improved access would facilitate the movement of goods and services and create a more conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
“This road is a critical gateway for the Abalama people and neighbouring communities. In the past, several challenges existed along this corridor, but today those concerns are being addressed,” Fubara said.
He added that the improved road would give residents greater access to opportunities capable of improving their livelihoods.
Fubara also acknowledged the contributions of the benefiting communities to the successful execution of the project.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Prof. Temple Nwofor, outlined the scope of the infrastructure delivered.
He said the project included the 19.79-kilometre roadway, drainage systems, culverts, street lighting, walkways and other ancillary works, while seven existing bridges along the corridor were rehabilitated.
“The project has been delivered in full compliance with all specified standards and engineering requirements. We are pleased that this vital infrastructure is now ready to serve the people and support the continued development of the area,” Nwofor said.
The commissioning attracted a large turnout of residents, traditional rulers and community leaders, with residents lining the route, waving flags and participating in cultural displays.
The completed corridor is expected to strengthen transportation links among communities in the three local government areas while facilitating movement, trade and access to economic opportunities.
For Julius Berger, the project reinforces its commitment to engineering quality and sustainable infrastructure development, while the benefiting communities now have improved access to transportation and economic activities.
