…Begins Demolition Of Structures On RoW, Today …Creates Front Desk To Address Victims’ Concerns

The demolition of residential and business premises and property on the Right-of-Way (RoW) in some parts of the state capital, Port Harcourt, where new development projects have been sited begins, today.
The areas involved are the Azikiwe/Illoabuchi Road, Ikwerre Road by Rumuola/Rumuokwuta Junction, and Mgbuoba/Ozuoba Road by Ada-George Junction, popularly called Location Junction.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Works, Mrs Ebere Emenike, advised residents and particularly, owners of property along the designated areas to be on the know as well as cooperate with the team for a hitch-free exercise.
According to the statement, the exercise would commence from Eight O’clock in the morning through Five O’clock in the evening of each day.
The statement said, “Rivers State Ministry of Works wishes to inform the general public, especially property owners along Azikiwe-Illoabuchi Road, Ikwerre Road by Rumuola-Rumuokwuta Junction and Mgbuoba-Ozuoba Road by Ada-George Junction, respectively that demolition of properties on the right of way of these three projects will commence on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, from 8am to 5pm each day until the exercise is completed.
“The ministry, therefore, calls on property owners to cooperate with our team to ensure that the contractor delivers the project on schedule”.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Works has created a dedicated desk at the Permanent Secretary’s Office for property owners affected by the construction of flyovers 11 and 12 at Rumuokwuta/Rumuola Junction, and Mgbuoba (Location Junction), respectively, as well as Azikiwe-Iloabuchi Road.
A statement signed by the state Commissioner for Works, Dr. Dax Alabo George-Kelly, yesterday, said, “This will eliminate any suspicion of being short-changed by valuers or agents because it will enable affected property owners to come and verify the compensation amount due to them, and reconcile same with the valuers handling the payments.
“There is no uniform compensation; the amount you are entitled to is strictly based on the value of your property.
“This is in line with the directive of the state Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, on absolute transparency in the compensation process.
“The desk will be opened to these property owners from 10:00AM on Tuesday, August 23, 2022. Verification will be done in an orderly manner.
“We also want to use this medium to appeal to the aforementioned persons to resist the temptation of being used by destructive elements to cause chaos and civil disobedience that may hinder the specified time frame for these projects”.

By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu