New Rumuokwuta Flyover Excites PH Residents

Few days after the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, announced plans to construct two flyovers at Rumuokwuta and NTA/Mgbuoba Road, residents and businessmen and women have applauded the government for the development.
During a city survey of the area, some residents say the project is overdue.
In a chat with the Tide Metro, Mr Jerry Okechuku said the Rumuokwuta axis needs the flyover more than before.
Okechukwu who has lived in Rumuokwuta for over 20 years said the governor was visionary in siting the project.
Relating his experience of traffic in the area, Okechukwu said it is very high especially during rush hours in the morning.
He further said the road is narrow and as such, the new flyover should envision the different routes that connect Rumuokwuta.
He stressing the need to build the flyover such that it will envisage the future.
He said the flyover should have a pedestrian and arms to connect to the various linking roads in the area.
His view he said is predicated on the fears that if the flyover does not reflect the challenges experienced in some newly constructed bridges, it would not achieve the purpose.
A commercial motor operator and member of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Stanley Emegwu, suggested the need for the new flyover to be constructed like the Obiri Ikwerre interchange to accommodate the various links that connect with Rumuokwuta.
Emegwu observed that Rumuokwuta hosts huge traffic that comes from Ikwerre Road, Mgbuoba, Rumuokoro and Rumuola, hence, it will be advisable to have an interchange.
In the view of Bright Ukachukwu, the new project is welcomed but that what is needed is more fallback areas for commercial bus drivers who drop passengers along the road.
On the time lag for completing the project, he described the governor as a talk and do leader who over time has always fulfilled his vision and goals.
Ukachukwu however urged Governor Wike to monitor the project himself to reduce contractor failure.
Calling on the governor to look into other areas, he suggested that efforts should be made by the state chief executive to create jobs and improve opportunities for young people as a lasting legacy.
A resident and indigene of Rumuokwuta, Mr Patience Ordu Ihejirika was full of praises for the new flyover.
She admitted that over the years, Rumuowuota Junction has been a challenge in terms of huge traffic snarl.
As a resident, she said it will transform the area and improve the beauty of the community.
Ihejirika, however, expressed fears over the demolition of houses and pleaded for adequate compensation for house owners.
Apart from providing relief to those whose properties will pave way for the project, she advised the Governor to press the contractor to deliver on time.
A shop owner and manager of a phone repair outfit, Comrade Ifeanachor Sylvester commended the governor for the project.
He recalled that the traffic snarl at Rumuokwuta would be reduced to the barest minimum.
On his fears, Sylvester said many shops at the junction would go and therefore expressed worry that their business would be affected.
For now, Sylvester said their landlords have not given them quit notices even though survey works have commenced for the flyovers.
Sylvester pleaded with the government to give shop owners soft landing by ensuring that they are given ample time to relocate or provide them alternative places.

By: Kevin Nengia