Only competent contractors will handle our road projects, says Governor Wike

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that he will never play politics with the construction of roads because of the need to develop the economies of neglected communities in the state.

Addressing senior members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors during a project tour on Saturday, Governor Wike said that his administration resolved to build roads to create the right environment for businesses flourish.

He said: “We had to connect different communities in the four urban local government areas of Port Harcourt, Obio/Akpor, Ikwerre and Eleme Local Government Areas because we met damage road infrastructure which hampered economic activities.

“With careful planning, we completed key roads and bridges that lead to economic centres in the state. We are reaping the benefits as a people. Therefore, I will never play politics with the construction of roads because they are vital to our recovery process.

“Only contractors with the equipment and capacity will handle our road projects. We are constructing roads that will stand the test of time.”

He added that because of the topography of Rivers State, the State Government has directed contractors to use sharp sand to compact roads instead of laterite that leads to failure of roads.

The governor explained to the editors that he is empowering other contractors through the award of projects they have the capacity to deliver quality jobs.

Governor Wike said he has been able to deliver on his blueprint because his administration has dedicated 60 percent for capital expenditure while recurrent expenditure takes 40 percent.

The Guild of Editors Tour of Projects with Governor Wike inspected 14 ongoing projects. Some of those visited are: Law Centre, Civic Centre, Woji-Akpajo Road, Federal High Court Complex , Elelenwo-Akpajo and Nkpogu road.

The State Commissioner of Housing, Mr Emma Okah led another team on the Guild of Editors Tour of Projects. Some of the projects they visited include: Aluu-Rukpokwu road, Eagle-Island Iloabuchi road and Ozuoba-Rumuosi road.

The President of Nigerian Guild of Editors, Funke Egbemode led the editors on the tour of projects with the governor. She commended him for the judicious use of resources to develop the state.

She said that the people of Rivers State are lucky to have Governor Wike as a governor.

The tour of projects witnessed interactive session between the governor and senior journalists at the different project sites.