By Emeka AMAEFULA
The Rivers state Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike is not relenting in his efforts to providing facilities that will enhance growth of business in the state especially the free flow of traffic for both pedestrians and motorist in Rivers State. The Governor who on Saturday 29th of February, 2020 went for a routine facility visit to project sites was at the popular GRA Junction linking Port Harcourt Polo Club Playground to the Government Reservation Areas Phases 2 and 3 via Tombia Street was happy with the preliminary evaluation survey plan made by the international construction giant-Julius Berger Plc t. This is sequel to the propose plan by the Government to construct a Fourth Flyover Bridge in Port Harcourt at the GRA junction.
www.towncrier.ng having obtained various opinions of most residents and business operators who do not want their names in print from the area came out with the popular views that when completed the Fourth Flyover will enhance movement of traffic of goods and services especially adding to the aesthetic values of the environment as most of the sporting activities going on at Port Harcourt Polo Club Playground attract high profile dignitaries including players and spectators who fly in from across the globe each year while participating in the elitist sport of Polo.
In a Press release by Simeon Nwakaudu Special Assistant to the Rivers State Governor, Electronic Media stated that Governor Wike carried out the inspection in company of the State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Austin Ben-Chioma, Senior Engineers of the State Ministry of Works and Project Engineers of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc .
The Team inspected the designs of the fourth Flyover Bridge, with Governor Wike and the officials discussing the prospects of the project.
Governor Wike told newsmen at the intended project site that a final decision would be taken in relation to the construction of the bridge as he said “We have taken another look to have the fourth Flyover Bridge. That is why we came to examine the location at the GRA Junction. We are thinking that the fourth Flyover Bridge should be at the GRA Junction. We went there today to examine the possibility. We have not taken a final decision on it.
“Within a short time, we will take a final decision. But the three other Flyover Bridges are progressing quite well. “
The Governor informed that the State Government will evaluate buildings in different communities affected by construction of roads and pay the necessary compensation. He noted that “We had to inspect other works being carried out by Julius Berger. We have a challenge of compensation. This is because where the roads are passing through; there are several structures in place. There is nothing we can do, but to take the necessary action. We have to send the relevant Ministry to evaluate the buildings for compensation. This is for the construction to continue. We are happy with what we are doing for the people of Rivers State.”
Similarly the on-going construction of three Flyovers at Rumuogba Rebisi and Rumuokoro communities by Julius Berger Plc have reached appreciable advance stage though slated to be completed in early 2021 at the cost of N21Billion with seventy percent of the total cost paid upfront to the construction giant.