Tackle Potholes On Major Roads, Wike Charges Agency

The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has charged the state Road Maintenance Agency to ensure that all roads with potholes are rehabilitated and made motorable.
Inaugurating the new Board of the Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency at Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday, Wike urged members of the agency to work as a team to achieve results.
The governor said, “Settle down and draw out a comprehensive work plan on how to address the potholes on some of the roads in Port Harcourt and its environs.
“Almost all the major roads in Port Harcourt have been awarded for reconstruction. Therefore, identify the roads that have not been awarded, but have potholes.
“When you identify these roads with potholes, funds will be released for their immediate rehabilitation”, Wike said.
He noted that the Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency has no powers to award contracts, cautioning that the agency, in the past, awarded contracts to the tune of N1billion without authorization.
Wike said that the agency was the direct labour arm of the Rivers State Government, targeted at ensuring that roads don’t degenerate.
“Make our roads motorable. That is your basic function. This agency is very important to the Rivers State Government. That is why you must work day and night to achieve results”, he advised.
The governor warned members of the agency against misappropriating funds meant for road rehabilitation, adding that the board also lacks the power to fix its wages.
While congratulating members of the board on their appointment, Wike called on them to work to leave a record of service.
He reminded the Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency that previous boards were unceremoniously dissolved due to internal squabbles, but urged them to avoid needless infighting.
Responding, Chairman of the Rivers State Road Maintenance Agency, Prince Timothy Nsirim assured Wike that members of the board would live up to expectations.
Nsirim thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, adding that the agency would work hard to tackle potholes in parts of the state capital.
The Tide reports that members, who were screened by the Rivers State House of Assembly, last Monday, were inaugurated by the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, by 11am at the Executive Council Chambers of Government House, Port Harcourt.
The members, who were seated by 10.30am, included its Chairman, Prince Timothy Nsirim; and Secretary, Mr Fyneman Olungwe.
Members of the board of the agency are Chief Ogbams Ojimah, Mr Sunny Bekwanwa, Mr Destiny Nganibo, Mr Achinike Amadi, Mrs Stella Agada, Mr Boma Tamunoibi Jumbo, Engr Sam Kakoro, Madam Patience E. Ibiamu, and Mr Chimezie Nwankwo.