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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

NDDC pays compensation to accelerate Rivers road construction

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has paid compensation to property owners in Borikiri, Rivers State, to accelerate road construction.
  • This payment resolves a key issue delaying work on the 3.75-kilometer Okrika-Borikiri Road project.
  • The completed road is expected to reduce traffic congestion and travel time between Okrika and Port Harcourt.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to accelerate work on the crucial 3.75-kilometer Okrika-Borikiri Road project, which includes three bridges, following the settlement of compensation claims with property owners in Borikiri, Rivers State.

The NDDC has paid compensation to property owners along the Borikiri alignment, and we are expecting the evacuation of residents there before we commence demolition of structures in the right of way.

— Martins IsicheiNDDC Assistant Director, Utilities, Infrastructural Development and Waterways, confirming compensation payment and next steps.

Martins Isichei, the NDDC's Assistant Director for Utilities, Infrastructural Development, and Waterways, confirmed that compensation payments have been made. This development paves the way for the imminent demolition of structures within the project's right-of-way and the subsequent resumption of construction activities.

Isichei highlighted the progress in the Okrika section despite challenges, including a past incident where a vessel collided with an existing pile, necessitating a design modification. He noted that the Borikiri alignment, previously stalled by compensation disputes, will now move forward rapidly.

For example, when we resumed work on the site, a vessel collided with an existing pile. We had to re-profile the bridge and develop a new design to circumvent the damaged pile.

— Martins IsicheiNDDC Assistant Director, explaining a past challenge encountered during construction.

The project's consultant, Engr. Azu Chukwuma, stated that the scope was reviewed to align with current realities. He emphasized the logistical complexities and costs associated with marine work but confirmed ongoing coordination with NDDC officials to determine the best path forward. Community cooperation has been strong, preventing significant issues.

The Borikiri alignment has not made considerable progress because of the issue of compensation. That has now been resolved, and work will soon start there too.

— Martins IsicheiNDDC Assistant Director, highlighting the resolution of a key delay factor.

Upon completion, the Okrika-Borikiri Road is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion on the refinery road and substantially shorten travel times between Okrika and Port Harcourt. The project comprises the Kolabi Bridge (180m), Abotoru Bridge (1,120m), and Okpoka Bridge (490m).

I told the Commission a few weeks ago that our intention is to determine how quickly we can proceed with launching the first sets of beams.

— Engr. Azu ChukwumaProject Consultant, discussing the immediate plans for advancing the construction.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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