A Port Harcourt-
based businessman, Chief Onyinye Ahamba, has lauded the zero-pothole initiative of the Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, saying it would lift up Diobu axis of Port Harcourt from its seeming village status.
Ahamba, the Managing Director of Zento Merchandise Nigeria, who spoke Monday in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt said the problem of potholes in virtually all the streets in Diobu coupled with poor electricity supply has turned Diobu to a glorified village.
The Managing Director said major portholes have forced motorists to abandon some popular street roads adding that such situation also led to low patronage to business outfits located in such affected areas.
Azikiwe street by Ojoto market has been abandoned, Ojoto street, Nsukka lane, Lumumba, Anozie, Uruala, Nwokoma, and Ikwerre Road in front of The Tide office, to mention but a few are in terrible condition.
He said with the new initiative, residents would have sigh of relief, especially the motorists whose vehicles were being damaged by the poor road situation.
Ahamba, however, advised the governor to ensure strict supervision as to see that the contractors handling the repair works do standard job.
He explained that the past administration initiated a similar step but regretted that because of poor supervision, the contractors executed poor work which was washed away in few months time by rains.
“Any attempt to execute poor job at this season of the year will be washed out and that will likely be in the interest of the governor or the people”, he stated.
He further suggested that the initiative be followed with removal of all unserviceable vehicles abandoned on the streets noting that the presence of disused vehicles with weeds growing under them constitution eyesore to the city.
According to him, “if the potholes are repaired, abandoned vehicles removed, gutters cleared and proper sanitation carried out, Diobu will return to its real status.”
It would be recalled that zero pothole initiative was amongst the first official actions of the Rivers State Governor who assumed office Friday.
The governor also commissioned the project same day he was sworn-in as governor of the state.

Chris Oluoh