NDDC assures completion of reclamation, road projects in Rivers

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to completing the sand-filling and reclamation project in Okochiri, Okrika Local Government Area, as well as the 4.5-kilometre Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road linking Tai and Ogu-Bolo local government areas of Rivers State.

The assurance was given by the NDDC Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, during an inspection of the ongoing projects in the state. Iyaye said the commission was determined to ensure that all ongoing projects across the Niger Delta were completed and inaugurated for the benefit of host communities.

At the Okochiri reclamation site, Iyaye expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the project would expand available land for economic activities in the community.

“We are here in Okochiri to monitor and appraise the performance of the contractor. We felt the need to assess the project’s progress to ensure timely completion,” he said.

Iyaye described the reclamation project as critical to the Okochiri people, explaining that the increased landmass had boosted socio-economic activities, including the Okochiri International Beach Festival and Carnival, which he said promotes peace among residents.

Earlier, during a courtesy visit to the Amayanabo of Okochiri, King Ateke Tom, Iyaye said the NDDC held the traditional institution in high esteem and required the cooperation of all stakeholders to succeed.

“For us to succeed, we believe that we need the cooperation of everybody — traditional institutions, state governments and the youth,” he said.

Responding, King Ateke Tom commended the NDDC for executing impactful projects in his kingdom, particularly the sand-filling and reclamation work, which he said would enhance economic development in the area.

Briefing the NDDC delegation, the project contractor, Dr Jude Moroh, said the area had been successfully reclaimed from mangrove swamp through extensive sand-filling.

Also speaking, the Secretary of the Ijaw Youth Council, Eastern Zone, Tamunokuro Dango, said residents were pleased with the progress of work at the beachfront, noting that the project had improved economic and social activities in the community.

At the Nonwa-Uedeme-Ogu Road project, Iyaye assured that the NDDC, under the leadership of its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, was implementing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He said the commission would continue to collaborate with state governments to deliver infrastructure across its mandate states.

The road project contractor, Hon. Deinma Iyalla, said the NDDC had transformed the area by connecting communities through improved road infrastructure, adding that the first phase of the project would be completed by the end of January.

Iyaye also inspected ongoing work on the 1,500-seater Ogu Civic Centre and the Ogu Community Pavilion in Ogu-Bolo Local Government Area.