The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has inaugurated the Oruma rigid pavement Road, a major by-pass for commuters from both Bayelsa and Rivers states, in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
Commissioning the road and solar-powered street light project, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured that more projects would be inaugurated across the Niger Delta region in the coming weeks.
The NDDC Chief Executive Officer, who was represented by the Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, said that the Commission was now focusing on executing legacy projects that link communities, local governments and states across the Niger Delta region.
He explained that the Oruma Road, would complement a regional road in the area, the 23.5-kilometre Otuasega-Obedum-Emelego Road and bridges, connecting Bayelsa and Rivers communities, being constructed by the NDDC.
According to Ogbuku, the inauguration of the road project was part of efforts by the NDDC management to complete all on-going projects in the Niger Delta region, in line with the performance bond it signed recently with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development.
The NDDC boss said the Commission would continue to execute projects that would enhance the living conditions of people in Niger Delta communities, stating: “The road is very important, because it will help people in the adjoining communities, especially farmers, to evacuate their agricultural produce to the urban areas.”
Ogbuku acknowledged the efforts of the contractor, whom he said delivered a quality project, despite the challenging terrain. He also thanked members of the communities in the area for appreciating the efforts of the Commission and cooperating with the contractor.
The contractor, Engr. Christian Emeozor, gave kudos to the NDDC for initiating the project and commended the Oruma Community for their cooperation and support which ensured that the road was completed on schedule.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Paramount ruler of Oruma Community, King David Amakiri, affirmed that the completion of the road had increased economic and social activities for all those living and doing business in his domain.
He observed: “The community is now more peaceful as both the young and old people are now busy with one economic activity or the other.”
The monarch thanked the NDDC for executing the road project and acknowledged the Commission’s contributions to the growth of the community.
The NDDC Managing Director, the Executive Director, Projects and other directors of the Commission had earlier paid a courtesy visit to King David Amakiri, in his palace.
The traditional ruler applauded the NDDC for constructing the Oruma Road and other internal roads in his community, stating that his people had faced many challenges in the area of infrastructure before the Commission’s intervention. He also thanked the NDDC for bringing light to the community through solar-powered street lights.
