Construction work has resumed at the Kaa-Ataba road and bridges being sponsored by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to link Khana Local Government Area to Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Speaking at the bridge site, the Project Supervisor, Engr. Lawrence Ekanem, described the project as ambitious and impactful.
A statement by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, NDDC’s
Director of Corporate Affairs, quoted him to have said the road and bridges would enhance socio-economic activities in Kaa, Ataba and surrounding communities.
He assured his company would do all it takes to ensure the project’s early completion.
The project’s Community Liaison Officer, Mr. Backpo Godspower, commended the NDDC for its intervention and appealed for its speedy completion.
According to him, “The NDDC has done well by resuming work on the bridge, but we want them to complete it so that the connection between the communities separated by the river will be seamless.
“If the bridge is completed, it will increase socioeconomic activities in the area.”
Godspower noted that the project would open up the communities in the area, reduce accidents associated with crossing the river, and boost socio-economic activities.
“The 2-kilometre double lane single carriageway with two bridges will improve the quality of life of the people of Kaa and Ataba, as well as help transport farm produce, goods and properties from this rich agricultural area.
“More importantly, it will reduce accidents and security breaches associated with water transport,” he said.
A community leader in Kaa, Deacon Bassey Lezua, expressed delight that the project, which was stalled for some years and appeared neglected, had been revived.
He noted that “the contractor has returned to the site, and we will give them all the cooperation they need to complete the project.”
He said that some communities, like Oyorokoto, one of the region’s largest fishing ports, were important growth centres.
A businesswoman in Kaa community, Mrs Zorbari Pimnee, urged the NDDC to ensure that the contractor did not falter on the project again, noting that businesses in the area could only thrive if the road was completed.
