Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has inaugurated the newly reconstructed 12.1 kilometer Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The project, executed by Setraco Nigeria Limited, comes with a 60mm asphaltic binding course, a 40mm wearing layer, and 10.2 kilometers of concrete drainage channels. The newly opened route promises to drastically reduce commuting hours as well as boost farming and other commercial activities across the communities of Etche Ancient Kingdom.
Governor Fubara who unveiled the project on Tuesday, alongside community leaders and top government functionaries, said the completion of the road stands as a testament to the resolve of his administration to justify it’s mandate by doing those things that would better the lives of the people.
He recalled that the contract for the road project was awarded in 2024 after several requests by prominent members of the Etche Kingdom.
He said that though his administration was facing difficulties at that time, that did not deter him from embarking on the project.
“I said that even while we were going through those challenges, we still have to be working because at the end of the day, what posterity records is not your complaints ; it is not the reason for your failures; but it is the little things that you achieve,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed delight that the project has now been completed successfully in spite of all the challenges.
“It takes only a government or administration that understands the needs of the people and that desires to leave a mark wherever it steps its foot, to do what we have done with this project. We have put our mark in Etche today and our mark will continue to be here,” he said.
The Governor commended the Chairman, Etche Local Government Area, Hon Njoku Boniface Chima for his efforts towards the provision of electricity and ensuring the security of lives and property of his people. According to him, the essence of governance is the provision of basic social services and the security of lives and property. He also commended the traditional chiefs for their warm hospitality even in the absence of the Onyishi Etche, the paramount ruler of the kingdom.
Addressing the litany of requests made by the community leaders particularly the need for a functional health facility in the area, Governor Fubara pledged that his administration will endeavour to build a standard hospital for the people to take care of their health needs.
Read also:
- Governor Fubara Inaugurates Reconstructed Buguma- Degema Abonema Road
- Rivers Dismisses Alleged Rift Between Fubara, Lawmakers Over Budget
- I’ve Been Vindicated Over Wike, Fubara Crisis As Purely A PDP Affair, Not Ijaw Struggle – Ex- IYC President
Governor Fubara pointed to the successful reconstruction of the Zonal Hospitals in Bori, Ahoada, Omoku and Degema, pledging to establish a modern, fully equipped hospital in Etche before the end of his tenure. He observed that though his administration had very little time left, he will do his best within the remaining part of his tenure.
” The only one that we have not done much is that of Etche. Let me promise you here and now that by the special grace of God, before we exit, there will be a standard hospital that can cater for the people of Etche, take care of the people of Omuma until when further medical services will be provided at the primary level,” he said.
Governor Fubara also assured the people that their request for the reconstruction of the dilapidated Mba–Ndashi Road will be looked into and appropriate steps taken to remedy the situation. He charged the people of Etche to remain peaceful and law-abiding as their communities would only witness progress when there is peace.
