An elder statesman Mr. Onyema Amadi has applauded the Governor of Rivers State Sir Siminalaye Fubara on his bold step to flag off the Port Harcourt Ring Road which according to him is a giant stride with Economic values to the people of the state.
Elder Amadi stated this at his residence in Port Harcourt today when answering questions from our reporters.
He stressed that though many people will be affected because many houses will be demolished but that the economic value when completed will easy transportation of people, goods, and services especially agricultural products from place to place since it will pass through some local government areas and it will help in alleviating traffic congestion and reduce travel times for commuters and freight transport. He said It will also improve connectivity within the state and will attract businesses, investors, and tourists, thereby leading to increase economic activity.
You would recall that on the 17th of July at the UTC junction where the road starts, the flag off took place, wherein Governor Fubara had stated that the Ring Road Project remains a giant project ever handled by any state government in the country, describing it as a bold effort taken in connecting Rivers people together and fostering unity among them.
Chairman of the Joint National Association of Persons Living with Disability in Rivers State Kie Obomanu says he is satisfied with plans put in place by the government to make the ring road project accessible for people with special needs. Mr Kie Obomanu in an interview with our reporters said the government has agreed to make it disability friendly, where there would be rounds, and cross-sections for persons with disability. For instance, those in wheelchairs who want to cross. He said the project is a good one, revealing that according to the United Nations Convention for the Rights of Persons with Disability, they must ensure that there is accessibility at every point, either on the flyover or on the bridges to help persons living with disability.
The ring road as explained by the commissioner for works Dr. George Kelly Dakorinama Alabo is a 50.15 KM long with varied widths of between 29.2 M where there are several lanes, with total of six flyovers and one river crossing bridge. It has a completion time of 36 months with the contract sum of 195.3Billion Naira of which 75 percent had been paid.
