The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has announced that the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge, connecting the Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas in Rivers State, will be officially opened by President Bola Tinubu. This inauguration is planned to coincide with the President's third anniversary in office.
Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the Managing Director of the NDDC, shared this information during an inspection of the project site. The inspection was conducted by members of the Commission's Governing Board, led by its Chairman, Mr. Chiedu Ebie.
Dr. Ogbuku reiterated the NDDC's dedication to fulfilling the presidential directive of completing all significant legacy projects within the Niger Delta region. He assured that the commission would provide all necessary support to the contractor to ensure the project's timely completion.
He described the Kaa-Ataba Bridge as one of the NDDC's most ambitious legacy projects, noting it is the longest bridge in the Niger Delta and among the longest across Nigeria.
Expressing his satisfaction with the progress of the work, the Managing Director highlighted that the bridge project is among those the President had specifically instructed the commission to finalize as part of the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Ogbuku emphasized the NDDC's commitment to realizing the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda in the Niger Delta. "The President mandated us to make a positive impact in the Niger Delta. The Board and Management are working diligently to meet Mr. President's expectations," he stated.
Reflecting on the bridge project's advancement, the NDDC Board Chairman, Mr. Ebie, commented that the road project signifies the federal government's earnest commitment to the development of the Niger Delta.
Mr. Ebie corroborated the Managing Director's statement regarding the bridge's inauguration this year, adding that the contractor has provided a firm commitment to deliver the project within the agreed timeframe.
The Board Chairman reaffirmed the NDDC's pledge to conclude all ongoing projects in the Niger Delta, in line with President Tinubu's directives.
He added, "We have received a briefing from the on-site engineers, and they share our determination to complete the project on schedule."
Christian Emeozor, representing the contracting firm, briefed the NDDC inspection team, citing challenging weather conditions as a factor that contributed to delays in the project's completion.
He pledged that the firm would deploy additional personnel and resources to the site to ensure the project meets its deadline.
Mr. Emeozor assured that his company is dedicated to completing the project early, stating, "We are committed to delivering on speed and quality."
King Benson Egwenre, the Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom in Andoni LGA, commended the NDDC for undertaking the project, anticipating that it would stimulate social and economic activities within the local communities.
Similarly, King Benjamin Ledor, the Traditional Ruler of Kaa in Khana, pledged the support of his people to the contractor, aiming to facilitate the project's timely completion.
The NDDC delegation also toured the ongoing construction at the Niger Delta Regional Hospital in Port Harcourt, which is slated to house cardiovascular and orthopaedic units.
The NDDC Board Chairman underscored the critical importance of healthcare services in Nigeria and the Niger Delta region, noting that the regional hospital would help reduce the need for medical tourism.
Commenting on the hospital project, the NDDC Managing Director highlighted that the commission's interventions extend beyond infrastructure like roads and bridges. "Our intervention is not only on road construction or solar lights; we all know that health is wealth, and the people of the Niger Delta have to be in good health," he explained.
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