The Project Supervisor of the multi-billion-naira project at Kaa-Ataba Road in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Engr. Lawrence Ekanem, has announced that construction work has resumed at the site and on the bridges being undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to link the Khana Local Government to the Andoni Local Government Area of the state.
The supervisor described the project as ambitious and impactful, assuring that the road and bridges would promote socio-economic activities in Kaa, Ataba, and other communities within the area.
Furthermore, Engr. Ekanem promised that his company would do everything humanly possible to see that the project is delivered even before the expected time.
“We are committed to delivering on speed and quality,” Ekanem hinted.
While appreciating NDDC for its intervention in the road projects, the Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Backpo Godspower, appealed for a speedy completion of the work, which he said started in 2009.
He also highlighted what the residents of the area stand to benefit as a result of this work as follows: the project would bring development to the communities within the area, reduce casualties associated with accidents while crossing the river, and improve socio-economic activities in the Kaa community and its environs.
Kaa-Ataba Bridge.
According to him, “The NDDC has done well by resuming work on the bridge, but we want them to complete it so that the connection between the communities separated by the river will be seamless. If the bridge is completed, it will increase socio-economic activities in the area.
“The 2-kilometre double-lane single carriageway with two bridges will improve the quality of life for the people of Kaa and Ataba, as well as help transport farm produce, goods, and properties from this rich agricultural area. More importantly, it will reduce accidents and security breaches associated with water transport.”
Speaking, a community leader in Kaa, Deacon Bassey Lezua, who expressed great happiness over the fact that a long-abandoned project had finally been revisited, noted that some communities, like Oyorokoto—one of the region’s largest fishing ports—were important growth centres.
In his words, “The contractor has returned to the site, and we will give them all the cooperation they need to complete the project.”
Also speaking, one of the businesswomen in the Kaa community, identified as Mrs. Zorbari Pimnee, revealed that businesses in the area could only thrive if the road was completed. She also appealed to the commission to ensure that the contractor does not falter on the project again.
