Rivers, Julius Berger, CCECC in pact to fast-track road projects

MOVED to rehabilitate the dilapidated infrastructure in the State, Rivers State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with two construction companies, Messrs Julius Berger Plc and CCECC Nigeria Limited.

The pactwas signed recently in Government House, Port Harcourt and will cover about 33km road stretching from the old Port Harcourt Township and Diobu areas and to be delivered in 120 days.

The Governor Nyesom Wike noted that, the move was aimed at fulfilling his promise made during his inauguration to rid Port Harcourt of bad roads and to give uplift infrastructure within the city centre.

Wike said the choice of the two construction companies was as a result of their reputation to deliver standard and quality jobs, saying that works in Abuja and Akwa Ibom State speak volumes of their ability to meet expectations.

He emphasized that, "We don't want to play politics with our roads and that is why we engaged these companies. The Governor noted " Julius Berger Plc will rehabilitate areas covering Obi-Wali Road, part of Ogbunabali, Tombia Extension, Evo Road, Woji Road in GRA and Azikiwe/UTC Junction all through old Port Harcourt Township areas.

The company is also expected to resuscitate traffic streetlights in the areas, while CCECC Nigeria Limited is expected to cover all road in Diobu axis, including drainages and other works.

Speaking shortly, after signing the MOU representatives of the two companies, assured the State Government of quality jobs and in due time.

Mr. Marco Braun of Julius Berger thanked the governor and the people of the state for the confidence reposed in them saying the contract is a call to contribute their quota to development in Rivers State. He said, "after seven years Julius Berger is back again".

On his part, Managing Director of Chinese firm CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Li Qingyong promised not to fail as expected, emphasizing that the job was an opportunity to improve in the quality of infrastructure in the state.

Meanwhile, Wike, has promised that all on-going projects relevant to the prosperity of Rivers people would be completed, irrespective of the administration that initiated such projects.

The governor who spoke while inspecting the Woji-Elelenwo-Akpajo road project, stressed that his administration would complete the road project because it would decongest traffic on the Aba road.