RSG To Demolish 2000 Houses For Road Projects

No fewer than 2000 houses will be demolished by the Rivers State Government to pave way for the new Mile One Road that would link Port Harcourt City to the airport.

Rt Hon Chibuike Amaechi who made the disclosure while speaking during a Harvest Thanksgiving Service at St Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, Mile One, Diobu yesterday in Port Harcourt said the exercise was expected to commence in January next year.

The road which will run from the Elechi Beach axis of Diobu according to Amaechi will course through the State University of Science and Technology (RSUST) through an overhead bridge before it terminates at the airport.

He argued that the project was the only solution to the rising gridlock experienced in the city in recent times. “The truth is, among these roads we are constructing, there are no new roads. The only new road we have in place is the road from Eastern-bypass to East-West Road. So we need to open new roads because no matter how much we expand the old ones, we still need a fresh access,” he said.

The Governor pleaded with the residents of the affected areas, especially in Diobu to cooperate with government as compensation will be paid before the buildings will be demolished, so if you live around there, don’t worry. We would pay compensation we would not just mark your houses and demolish them. We need to do that so that all of us can move about freely”.

Amaechi also hinted that two major roads under construction namely, Ada-George Road and G. U Ake Road  will be completed by March next year, as the government had released funds to the contractors in order to fasten the pace of work during the incoming dry season.

Expressing his appreciation to God for His infinite mercies on him and the State, Rt Hon Amaechi remarked that “it is more important that we praise and worship God all the time with whatever we have”, as he pledged the support of his family and the state to the church.

Earlier in his sermon, Rev Father Callistus Igwe harped on the need for people to appreciate God’s blessings through service to Him.

The clergy man opined that God appreciates our talents and resources which should be used positively to worship Him.

Meanwhile, Governor Chibuike Amaechi has hinted of plans by the State Government to commence another phase of demolition to restore sanity in the city centre.

Ameachi who dropped the hint at Christ Church Interdenominational, Port Harcourt at a thanksgiving Service in honour of Madam Atile said his administration was poised to restoring the garden city status of Port Harcourt.

He disclosed that the exercise would be two-pronged covering sanitation and urban development, saying, already he had directed the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority (GPCDA) to relocate the Ikoku spare parts traders within six months.

His words, “we are soon coming out with a law on sanitation to check littering through a bill at the Assembly”.

Rt Hon Amaechi commended Madam Atile for her sterling qualities which she trained her children with, while praying God to bestow her with long life.