Communal peace key to speedy completion of Ogbakiri road project – Julius Berger

              We’ll deliver all projects before deadline, says MD

The Director of Administration of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Abdulaziz Isa Kaita, has identified peace and cooperation in host communities as critical factors for the timely and successful execution of construction projects.

Kaita spoke on Thursday during the commissioning of the Ogbakiri Roundabout–Water Front Road project, drawing loud cheers from residents of the area. His remarks echoed similar comments earlier made by the Managing Director of the company, Dr Peer Lubasch, at the inauguration of the Ahoada–Omoku road.
According to Kaita, the Ogbakiri road project was completed three months ahead of the contractual deadline.

“This project was awarded to us on 6 September 2024 with a completion period of 18 months. We are pleased to state that it was completed three months earlier, and with good quality,” he said.

He attributed the early completion to the peaceful disposition and cooperation of the host community throughout the construction period.

“It is worthy of note that our speedy completion of this project was also attributable to the maximum cooperation we enjoyed from this peaceful community, irrespective of the inconveniences suffered during the construction period,” he added.

Kaita also commended the Rivers State Government under Governor Siminalayi Fubara for its support, particularly at a time when global inflation posed serious challenges to the continuation of work.
“Even when it was difficult for us to continue owing to global inflation, the government intervened. This was a huge support that enabled us to complete the project, and we thank you for this,” he said.

He assured the governor that Julius Berger would deliver all ongoing projects in the state within agreed timelines.

“Your Excellency, we sincerely thank you for this opportunity to showcase our expertise, and we assure you of the timely completion of all ongoing projects in Rivers State,” Kaita said.

In his remarks, Governor Fubara recalled the circumstances that necessitated the award of the contract, describing the project as both symbolic and strategic.

“This all happened last year. I can’t forget the situation we were facing at that time. We were commissioning the East–West Road, Emohua to Tema Junction, and that corridor. Ogbakiri is part of an annex to Tema, Abalama, Abonnema and the other stretch that leads to Buguma,” the governor said.

“We felt it wouldn’t be right to commission one stretch and leave the others behind.”
Fubara noted that the government had made a promise to the people of Kalabari, Emohua and Ogbakiri to address the neglected sections of the road network, despite financial constraints at the time.

“When we made the first payment for this project, it was during the period of the first court judgment that barred us from accessing our accounts or receiving funds from the federal government,” he said.

Responding to a request by the community for a bridge linking Ogbakiri to mainland Port Harcourt, the governor assured residents that the proposal would be carefully considered.

“I have taken note of your request for a bridge to ease transportation, improve commercial activities and enhance security. I will study the situation, look at the cost implications, and get back to you as soon as possible,” he said.

Fubara also urged residents to sustain peace within their communities and with neighbouring areas, stressing that peace remained the foundation for development.
“We need peace not just in Ogbakiri or Emohua, but across Rivers State, so that development can reach every part of our state. People must protect what they have around them. That is the only way development can be sustained,” he said.

Earlier, at the commissioning of the Ahoada -Omoku road extension and dualisation, Julius Berger Managing Director, Dr Peer Lubasch, said the project was awarded in 2023 with an 18-month completion period and was delivered to specification.

“We have enjoyed very good support from this administration since it came into office, even when we faced challenges relating to project augmentation on the Ring Road due to global inflation. Approval was granted, and we were able to return to site,” Lubasch said.

He noted that Julius Berger had consistently delivered major infrastructure projects ahead of schedule in Rivers State, assuring the governor of the company’s commitment to completing all ongoing works, including the Ring Road.

“We will complete all our ongoing projects, especially the Ring Road, which is a legacy project,” he said.

The Emohua–Ogbakiri–Egbelu road project is regarded as one of the most significant infrastructure developments in Rivers State in recent years. Spanning approximately 9.7 kilometres, the road improves connectivity between Emohua and the riverine communities of Ogbakiri and Egbelu, linking them to the East–West Road corridor and boosting socio-economic activities in the area.

The contract for the project was officially awarded in November 2024 by the Rivers State Government and executed by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, renowned for delivering high-quality infrastructure across the country.