By: Felix Ikpotor
Chairman of Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Martins Nwigbo, has commended the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for successfully completing the first phase of the Bori Internal Roads Project.
The chairman made the commendation while presenting his welcome address at the official commissioning of the roads in Bori on Tuesday.
Nwigbo said the project underscores Governor Fubara’s dedication to grassroots development and his commitment to inclusive governance.
“Today marks a milestone in the history of our local government as we witness the fulfillment of a promise that has not only elevated our infrastructural development but has also rekindled hope and pride in the hearts of our people. These projects are a testament to His Excellency’s unwavering commitment to grassroots development and His administration’s vision of inclusive governance,” Nwigbo said.
While assuring the governor that his administration would sustain the infrastructure, Nwigbo further appealed to the Governor to consider commencing phase two of the Bori Internal Roads project and more development that will contribute to the Khana Local Government’s vision for the Bori New Town project.
“At the risk of sounding like Oliver Twist, we appeal to His Excellency to kindly consider phase two of this laudable urban renewal initiative in Bori. Many areas within Bori metropolis still remain underserved and continue to face challenges associated with poor road infrastructure. The commencement of phase two will not only address these challenges but also consolidate the gains of phase one by ensuring that the entirety of Bori benefits from your transformational initiative,” he added.
The council boss used the medium to thank the governor for appointing Khana sons and daughters into various offices of responsibility.
In his speech, Governor Siminalayi Fubara informed that the second phase of the Bori Internal Roads would be launched soon, alongside other key projects such as schools and cottage industries, aimed at creating employment and boosting economic growth.
The governor acknowledged that Bori, as the headquarters of the Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, holds strategic importance in his administration’s development agenda, adding that the soon to be opened Bori Zonal Hospital would address issues of healthcare in the area.
Fubara maintained that his decision to complete the project was driven by a genuine interest in the welfare of the Khana people.
He however, expressed disappointment over some individuals from the Senatorial District who he said have sought to undermine his administration’s development efforts, urging the Khana people to remain hopeful and not be discouraged by detractors.
Highlighting the historical significance of Bori, Fubara noted that despite its colonial roots, it had yet to reach its full development potential, appealing to the people to be more accommodating to outsiders to attract more development to the area and transform the town into a modern city.
On his part, the special guest of honour at the event, Prince Uche Secondus expressed deep gratitude to Governor Fubara for inviting him to commission the project and lauded the governor’s efforts in bringing about positive transformation through his urban renewal policy.
Secondus who is a former National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, emphasised that Bori’s facelift was something the people had long yearned for.
Giving a description of the project, Elloka Tasie-Amadi, the Rivers State Commissioner for Works, said the project comprised of 23 roads totaling 13.985 kilometers across Bori, adding that the project would enhance the economy of Bori and improve the safety and security of the people.