The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, assured that the commission will soon complete the 2-kilometer double-lane Kaa-Ataba road, which includes two bridges, in the Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
Ogbuku made the announcement during an inspection of a 1.2-kilometer-long bridge along the road, accompanied by the NDDC Executive Director of Projects, Victor Antai, and other directors of the commission.
The inspection took place on Thursday and was outlined in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s Director of Corporate Affairs.
Ogbuku stated, “The project is about 70 percent completed, and we are ready to finish it by mid-next year.
We have just concluded discussions with the on-site contractors and assured the traditional ruler that we are back on the project.
The contractor is back on site and working to ensure the completion by mid-next year.”
He added, “This bridge is one of the longest in the country, after the Third Mainland Bridge and the Second Niger Bridge.
At 1.2 kilometers long, this is an ambitious project by the NDDC, and we are committed to completing it for the benefit of the people of the Niger Delta.
Once completed, the bridge will connect Ataba and Bony Island.”
Ogbuku also highlighted that the bridge would provide multiple routes to Bony, in addition to the Bony-Bodo expressway.
He expressed confidence in completing the project, noting that the contractor had already started casting beams for the bridge.
The paramount ruler of Ataba Kingdom, King Benson Uruk, expressed his excitement at the NDDC’s renewed commitment to the project.
He said, “We had almost lost hope, but seeing the NDDC here today brings us joy.
This project is crucial for our community, as most of Andoni is accessible by road except for Ataba.
Completing this road will greatly improve our economic and social activities.”
King Uruk also assured the NDDC of the community’s support, stating, “We, the people of Ataba, are peaceful and cooperative.
We promise not to disrupt the project.”
Additionally, the NDDC team inspected the 30-kilometer Nsasak Junction-Akon Road, which links Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
Ogbuku emphasized the importance of this road, which would serve as an alternative route, reducing transportation costs.
He noted, “This is a vital project that will improve connectivity between Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
While it was awarded in 2012, we have inspected the project and noted that 15 kilometers have been completed.
We are in discussions with the contractor to resume work immediately.”
Ogbuku further highlighted that the road would shorten travel times between Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, providing a more direct route than the East-West Road.
He expressed the NDDC’s determination to complete the remaining 15 kilometers and finish the bridge, which is set to be 100 meters long.
The NDDC team also reviewed the emergency reconstruction of the 5.5-kilometer Oyigbo road network, which connects several communities in the Oyigbo Local Government Area, including Obunku, Umuosi, Obeakpu, Mgboji, and Ndoki.
