Fubara hails progress on Trans-Kalabari road, eyes 2026 completion

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, saying about 75 per cent of the critical piling work has been completed.

Fubara spoke on Monday while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.

According to the statement, the governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.

The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.

The governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement; even as he commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”

Fubara stated, “The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God.

“I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved.”

He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain, but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.

The governor highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.

“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately, it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.

Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.

“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.

Report in May 2024 that the Rivers State Executive Council approved the award of a contract for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road project at a cost of N222.1billion.

The approval was given during its meeting presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara and attended by the Deputy Governor, Prof Ngozi Odu, and other members of the Council at Government House.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, to newsmen.

Briefing newsmen after the Council meeting, the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Johnson, said the project would be funded with savings from the Internally Generated Revenue.