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Expansion Of Rivers’ Abattoir Will Create More Jobs-Wike
Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has announced the expansion of the ultra-modern abattoir being constructed in Mgbuosimini community, Rumueme will now include an open spaced market and a motor park.
Governor Wike made the announcement yesterday when he visited the project site to inspect the progress of work done on the world class abattoir designed with the capacity to slaughter 400 cattle, 1500 goats and sheep in one day.
The Rivers State governor, who spoke to some residents who thronged out to herald his arrival and waited until he was done with his inspection tour, appealed to them to continue to give the contractor the needed support so that the project could be completed on schedule.
“We are almost finishing the slaughter house and then we are building a market on this side. And we have to commission it before I leave office. So, that is what I want to tell all of you.
“We want to start the park and the market immediately and that will create jobs for us. And I will make sure that those who are around here will be the direct beneficiaries of this jobs.”
Governor Wike however, frowned at the slow space of work on the world class modern abattoir project which is fully automated with the state-of-the- art facilities.
The Governor stated that the extent of work already achieved on the project does not meet his expectation because the entire 100 percent contract sum had been paid to the contractor.
Governor Wike inspected the meat mart, administrative building, internal roads, shore protection work, veterinary clinics and the laboratories structures that will check the health of animals before, and also the tissues when being slaughtered.
”We have paid hundred percent. I just approved award of contract for the market to compliment the slaughter.
”But the quality of job; well done, we are satisfied. They have told me that before the end of April, they would have completed the abattoir which is a modern abattoir.”
Governor reflected on the state of the former slaughter that was located at Trans-Amadi Industrial Layout and the unhygienic environment that traders conducted their activities, which was unacceptable.
”But this is a modern abattoir were animals, cows and goats would be killed in a more civilized way as it is done according to international best practices.”
Governor Wike also used the opportunity to thank residents of Mgbuosimini community for supporting and voting for PDP in the last general election.
”The incoming governor will not disappoint you people. He will even do better than me with your support. You can go home and sleep with your two eyes close.”
Governor Wike, also inspected the progress of work done at the magistrates’ court premises along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt.
The governor said the project should have been completed by December, 2022, but the delay was caused by some minor amendments made on the structural work.
He explained that the expectation on the contractor now is to complete the external works and had it over by the end of April because the interior furnishing is completed.
”This magistrates’ court will be the best in the country. In fact, people call me and ask what kind of magistrates’ court we talking about to have this kind of structure.
”I said, well, we must give the best to enhance quality of work from them(magistrates). If you want them to give their best, the environment where they work must also be conducive.”
Speaking on how the facility will be maintained, governor Wike explained that the use of alucobond panels in the front view, indicates that there will be reduced cost of maintenance.
Governor Wike pointed out that the Chief Judge is in charge of the judiciary and has to factor into their yearly budget money that will be required for the maintenance of the magistrate courts
”It will not require much, just that what happens here (in this country) is that most of us lack the culture of maintenance. Some people believe that government property is not their property and therefore they don’t care.
”But for me, where ever you stay, you must assumed that it is your property and you maintain it the way you maintain your own personal property.
”So, for me, I believe that the Chief Judge will do the right thing to making sure that these structures are well maintained, because nobody will come here and see such structures and then in the next few years the structures are unkept.
”Nobody will be happy about that. I believe that the Chief Judge will do the needful.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has described the ongoing construction of the brand new 13.52-kilometre Ngo-Atlantic-Oyorokoto Road as a bold and visionary effort by his administration to open up the coastal region for economic growth and harness the full potential of the state’s blue economy.
The Governor made this remark during an inspection visit to the project site in Andoni Local Government Area. The road, being constructed by Monier Construction Company (MCC), cuts through challenging coastal terrain and leads to a newly identified beachfront facing the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Fubara explained that while the original plan was to construct a road leading to Oyorokoto Town and its popular beach, his administration decided to expand the project to create an entirely new route that would open access to another pristine beachfront.
“We are doing another inspection today. This particular one is a virgin road, 13.52 kilometres of a new pathway to the blue economy,” Governor Fubara stated.
“Initially, we were constructing a road to Oyorokoto Beach, one of the finest tourist centres in this area. But as we progressed, we discovered another beach directly facing the Atlantic Ocean. It became clear that we shouldn’t limit development to just one site. We want to harness this new beach front as part of our broader plan to develop the blue economy.”
The Governor emphasised that the project, once completed, will not only improve access to coastal communities but also stimulate tourism and economic activities, boosting revenue for Rivers State.
Describing the area’s difficult terrain as challenging, he commended the contractor for its dedication, and expressed confidence that the road would be completed and commissioned by March next year.
“You can see for yourself, it’s a brand-new road in a very difficult terrain, just like the one we saw yesterday. But I strongly believe we will overcome it. From what we’ve seen today, the contractor, MCC, is doing their best, and by next year, hopefully by March, we’ll have the cause to commission this project and give God all the glory,” the Governor affirmed.
Governor Fubara also visited Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area to assess the progress of work on the Epellema axis of the ongoing 5.2km Kalaibiama-Epellema road project featuring a 450-meter bridge.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed satisfaction with the level of progress recorded on the ongoing Trans-Kalabari Road project, revealing that about 75 percent of the critical piling work has been completed.
Governor Fubara made this known while addressing journalists after an on-the-spot inspection of the 12.5-kilometre road project, which will connect the state capital to several Kalabari communities across the sea.
The Governor rode on a boat from a jetty at Rumuolumeni in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area through the rivers and creeks on the project route during the inspection.
The project was awarded to Lubrik Construction Company Limited, on May 15, 2024, with an initial 32-month completion timeline.
The Governor said the visit was aimed at verifying reports from the Ministry of Works regarding the project’s advancement. He commended the contractors for their dedication, and described the progress as “a true reflection of hard work and commitment to excellence.”
“The first phase of the project takes us to Bakana, and features four major river-crossing bridges and nearly five deck-on-pile structures. The terrain is difficult, and the engineering work required is complex. But to the glory of God, I can confirm that the reports I’ve been receiving are accurate. Almost 75% of the piling job, which is the most critical part of the project, has been achieved,” Governor Fubara said.
He emphasised that the Trans-Kalabari Road is one of the most technically demanding infrastructure projects in the state due to its challenging marine terrain but reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to deliver it on schedule.
Governor Fubara highlighted the strategic importance of the road in connecting the Kalabari Kingdom to Port Harcourt, and stimulating economic growth across riverine communities.
“This is a key project that will turn around the lives of the Kalabari people immediately it is concluded. By the grace of God, in the next six months, if we return here for inspection, we might be driving across the bridge,” he said.
Governor Fubara assured Rivers people that his administration remains focused on delivering transformative infrastructure projects that will improve lives and bring lasting development to rural communities.
“We have made a promise to our people to embark on projects that will change lives and bring development, and this is a testament to that commitment,” he added.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says that the impact of flooding and erosion on the inhabitants of Rivers State, especially those living in coastal communities, are of great concerns to the government.
Governor Fubara lamented the consequences of flood on both human and biotic life, which sometimes lead to loss of life, property, and degradation of the environment.
The Governor made the remark in Port Harcourt during the launch of a book titled, ‘Coastal Zone Flooding And Erosion in Developing Communities, Principles, Cases and Strategies,” written by Emeritus Prof. Wiston Bell-Gam.
According to the Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Benibo Anabraba, his administration, would continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies to combat flooding.
In his words: “The Rivers State Government will continue to undertake and encourage adaptation strategies, such as construction of seawalls and breakers, canals and channels, restoring coastal ecology and ecosystem for coastal resilience and where necessary, the relocation of communities on the coastline.
“These issues are currently receiving the much needed attention and intervention by the recent approval of the construction of shoreline protection along the coastlines of more than five communities in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Opobo/Nkoro LGAs respectively.”
“It is important that as stakeholders in the protection and preservation of marine environment, we all act and advocate for mitigation strategies such as reduction in emission of Green House Gasses that causes climate change and rise in sea levels. Let us promote the use of clean energy and against fossil fuel.
Governor Fubara further cautioned residents to desist from building on waterways.
“We also need to encourage our people to stop developing buildings on and along natural water courses, indiscriminate sea mining and dredging activities on our coastline without consideration for mangroves and swamps,” he stressed.
He appreciated the author for his advanced contributions to the body of knowledge in both Rivers State and globally.
Also speaking, a former Military Governor of the old Rivers State and Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Ditte-Spiff, who was Royal Father at the Event, stated that the book was timely to enable stakeholders manage the challenges of global warming.
“Global warming is real. If it’s not addressed globally, a time will come coastal areas will find themselves under water. The coastline of Nigeria is shocking with many mangroves gone,” he noted.
The Reviewer of the Book, who is also the Vice Chancellor of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology, Ondo State, Prof Temi Ologunorisa, explained that the 14-chapter book is timeous as it fills literary gaps between desire and available knowledge on coastal flood and erosion in developing communities.,
“A major beauty of the book that sets it apart is the detailed consideration of flood and erosion control from around the world,” he stated, adding that the book is based on detailed field investigation.