Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has unveiled the reconstructed Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road, a vital transportation route connecting communities in Asari-Toru, Degema and Akuku-Toru Local Government Areas.
The 19.79-kilometre road, constructed by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, is expected to ease transportation challenges, reduce man-hour losses and address security concerns previously associated with the corridor. The road was reportedly in a severely deteriorated condition before the Fubara administration awarded the rehabilitation contract in September 2024.
Governor Fubara said the completion of the project within the stipulated period represented the fulfillment of a personal commitment he made after seeing the poor state of the road during an earlier visit to the area.
“It is a road that you must pass if you’re going to Abonnema. It is a road that because of its state, a lot of evil activities was taking place there. But to the glory of God today, I don’t think those negative acts can even be imagined or be carried out along that corridor again.
I made a promise to myself that day that even if it is remaining one week, we must make sure that we fix this road. Today, to the glory of God, the road has been fixed.
I am happy that today, we are all here gathered happily that this particular dream has come to reality,” he said.
The Governor stressed that his administration’s focus goes beyond executing projects, noting that priority is being given to initiatives capable of making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s determination to complete the Trans-Kalabari Highway, another major road project designed to connect several coastal communities across the state.
Governor Fubara however thanked residents for their support and cooperation, particularly for creating an enabling environment for contractors to carry out their work without unnecessary disruptions.
“You have shown me so much love. Nobody can take that away. One particular project that cannot be denied is the Trans-Kalabari Road that we are doing. I want to beg you that if I cannot meet all you requests today, don’t worry, my successor will continue from where I will stop,” he said.
The Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the Buguma-Degema-Abonnema Road project was executed in line with the required standards of the Rivers State Government.
Nwofor explained that the road consists of a 50mm asphaltic binder course and a 50mm asphaltic wearing course. He added that the project involved the comprehensive rehabilitation of seven existing bridges across Ido, Abalama and adjoining communities.
According to him, other components of the project include the installation of streetlights, concrete walkways, culverts and reinforced concrete drainage channels measuring between 0.5 metres and 2.2 metres in width, all designed to enhance the road’s durability and functionality.
