Residents and traders in Bayelsa State have expressed satisfaction with the ongoing progress on the Nembe-Brass and Opolo road projects, commending the state government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and ease transportation.
The long-anticipated road projects, which aim to connect rural and urban areas, have been described as a major step toward fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life in the region.
A resident in Nembe Community, Mr. Abel Ifiemi, said the visible advancements on the Nembe-Brass road are evidence of the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises, adding that the construction was progressing smoothly without hindrances, unlike some projects that have been delayed by community demands.
He said, “This is more than just a road; it’s a lifeline for us. The improved connectivity is expected to bridge the gap between rural communities and urban centers, fostering inclusivity and development.”
The Nembe youth leader, Mr. Allen Wanaemi Trust, highlighted the social benefits of the Nembe-Brass road project and described it as an economic game-changer that had been neglected by previous governments at both the state and federal levels.
The Director of New Media, Dr. Samuel Kolawole Oredipe, while conducting newsmen and the new media team on an inspection tour of the ongoing 21km Nembe-Brass and Opolo road projects, stated that many Bayelsans are unaware of the ongoing infrastructural developments in the state.
He noted that with the rise of the blue economy, the Nembe-Brass road project would offer significant logistical and financial benefits for residents and businesses. “Once completed, the road will unlock vast economic opportunities and connect the area to other parts of Bayelsa State”, he said.
Also, Mrs. Boma Okorite, a foodstuff trader at the Opolo market, said that the Opolo road project signifies an opportunity to enhance her business, stating that the road when completed, will improve access to market, enabling her to get more customers.
“Before now, transporting goods to Opolo market was a nightmare due to the deplorable state of the road. But with the progress we see today, things are already looking promising,” she said.
The Commissioner for Information, Mrs. Ebiwou Koko Obiyai, while highlighting the significance of the project tour, noted that Bayelsans could now see the dualization of Opolo Road in progress, adding that 80 per cent of the road is already completed.
Meanwhile, the project managers of Setraco, Engineer Hazem Najjar and Julius Berger, Engineer Baha Zidan, have assured residents that the construction meets high-quality specifications and that the Nembe-Brass and Opolo road projects are on track to be completed within the stipulated timelines.
