The Rivers State Executive Council has approved the contract for the construction of the main Trans-Kalabari Road project at a cost of N222.1 billion.
This information was conveyed through a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
The decision was made during a council meeting presided over by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu and other council members in attendance at the Government House on Wednesday.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Johnson, announced that the project would be financed with savings from the Internally Generated Revenue.
He disclosed that a 30 percent mobilisation fee had already been paid, and the contractor is expected to commence work immediately.
“We have awarded a contract to the tune of N222,114,563,830.2 kobo for the commencement of the Trans-Kalabari Road. This main Trans-Kalabari Road project will extend from NSS Pathfinder, Rumiolumeni, and pass through multiple communities up to Tombia Town. The project is scheduled for completion within 32 months,” Johnson said.
Johnson pointed out the challenging terrain the road would traverse, including swamps, rivers, and creeks, necessitating a series of bridges, decking, and piling works.
He said that the project would be funded internally without borrowing.
The commissioner noted that the contractual sum of N222.1 billion is substantial, surpassing the expenditure on the Port Harcourt Ring Road project.
In addition to the road project, Johnson reported recent achievements in the sporting sector, including Rivers United’s victory over Katsina United in the maiden Nigeria Premier Football League U17 Youth League.
The state also excelled in the male and female national beach volleyball competitions and the national open chess and table tennis championships.
Dr. Ine Briggs, acting Director General of the Rivers State Bureau of Public Procurement, assured that all procurement procedures and guidelines had been diligently followed.
She stated that the project is expected to stimulate economic activities and bring about development in the region.
“Having reviewed the Ministry of Works’ submissions and all supporting documents, and satisfied that the project meets the value for money proposition and other necessary procurement criteria, the Bureau has issued a certificate of no objection. Therefore, the contract is awarded to Lubrick Construction Company Limited,” Briggs confirmed.
