The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has intensified construction work on the 3.75-kilometre Okrika–Borikiri Road project in Rivers State, which includes three bridges linking Okrika and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas.
During an inspection visit to the bridge site in Okrika, the NDDC Assistant Director in charge of Utilities, Infrastructural Development and Waterways, Mr. Martins Isichei, confirmed that compensation issues affecting property owners along the Borikiri axis had been resolved.
“The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way,” he said.
Isichei said construction progress on the Okrika side remained impressive despite challenges associated with working in a riverine environment.
“For example, when we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile,” he explained.
He added that once completed, the project would ease traffic congestion along the refinery road and significantly reduce travel time between Okrika and Port Harcourt.
According to him, the project comprises three major bridges: the Kolabi Bridge (180 metres) at the Etche Waterfront, the Abotoru Bridge (1,120 metres) at the midpoint, and the Okpoka Bridge (490 metres).
“The Borikiri alignment has not made considerable progress because of the issue of compensation. That has now been resolved, and work will soon start there too,” he added.
The Project Consultant, Mr. Azu Chukwuma, said the project design had been reviewed to reflect current site realities following its resumption.
He noted that discussions were ongoing with the NDDC to accelerate key stages of construction, particularly the launching of bridge beams.
“I told the Commission a few weeks ago that our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams.
”The work is mainly on the river, and much of the marine logistics involved is costly. I’m in touch with the appropriate officials of the NDDC to determine the best way forward,” he said.
Chukwuma also said the project was progressing smoothly, adding that community cooperation had helped to avoid major disruptions.
“We are getting maximum cooperation from the surrounding communities, hence we have not had any serious issues. I am happy that they realise the importance of the project,” he stated.
A representative of the construction firm handling the project, Mr. Maroun Kassouf, said work on bridge beams had reached an advanced stage and would soon move to the launching phase.
“The project is progressing well. Once people evacuate at the Borikiri end, we will demolish the structures there and move to that site immediately. That end would be much easier, as the river is shallower than the Okrika end,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chairman of the Okrika Community Development Committee, Mr. Minengibi Ferdinand, expressed appreciation to the NDDC for the project, describing it as a major infrastructure boost for the area.
“It is a laudable project that will ease traffic on the East-West Road and provide an alternate route to Okrika.
”We are hopeful that once it is completed, it will attract socio-economic development to our community,” he said.
