The Rivers State Executive Council has given its stamp of approval for the allocation of N70.25 billion to two critical road projects that aim to connect rural communities and improve the flow of traffic into the state capital, News About Nigeria reports.
The approval was granted during a meeting presided over by the state governor, Nyesom Wike, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
According to the Commissioner for Works, Dr. George-Kelly Dakorinima Alabo, the projects include the reconstruction and dualization of the Emohua- Abalama -Tema junction road, which is 15.24 kilometers long and estimated to cost N21.26 billion, and the extension of the dualization of the Ahoada to Omoku Road from Ogbo-Ukordu road junction to Omoku, which is 25.4 kilometers long and expected to cost N48.998 billion.
Both projects are expected to be taken up simultaneously, with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc awarded the contracts and a completion period of 18 months.
The payment for the projects will be tied to the state’s IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) through an irrevocable standing payment order, with N4 billion to be paid in 18 months and N68 billion to be paid within 17 months, with the remaining balance of N2.285 billion paid in the 18th month.
In addition to the road projects, the Executive Council also approved public-private partnership arrangements for the effective management of the radiotherapy unit of the Dr. Peter Odili Cancer and Cardiovascular Diagnostic and Treatment Centre and the Mother and Child Hospital in Port Harcourt.
The council also gave approval for the procurement of 1,442,000 textbooks, classics, and encyclopedia to be distributed to all public-owned primary, nursery, junior secondary and senior secondary schools in the state, free of charge.
The government has also approved the allocation of the Government Model Secondary School in Egberu, Ndoki in Oyigbo, for use as the Nigerian Navy’s Headquarters Training Command.
The Rivers State government is making significant investments in its infrastructure and education sectors, with a focus on connecting rural communities, improving traffic flow, and providing quality health care and education services to its residents. These initiatives demonstrate the government’s commitment to the well-being and development of the state and its citizens.
