On Monday, October 27, 2025 Governor Siminalayi Fubara undertook one strategic task, that resonates a clear vision for the immediate future. It wasn’t just one of those common State crafts, no. It was an extraordinary assignment that clearly define his innermost conviction for leadership and determination to walk the talk. Gov Fubara has been consistent in his assurances to redefine natural habitats by creating new hubs of development across the creeks and rivulets in Rivers State in order to connect the people without limitations or constraints.
So, on that fateful day he led and navigated the stormy weather by boat to inspect the 12.5 kilometer Trans-Kalabari road project awarded at the cost of N225,114,563,830.02 which was flagged off by former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 20, 2024.
This legacy project was steadily progressing before the political interregnum. However, barely one month of resuming office, Gov. Fubara has taken bold steps to physically evaluate the work done so far by the contractor, Lubriks Construction Company. Though, he has read reports from the supervising ministry on the project status, he believes in seeing for himself for proper appraisal.
After inspecting three critical points of the project tucked in the deep part of the sea and creeks, Gov. Fubara expressed a great relief adjudging the project to be progressively on course as expected.
With approximately 75% of the critical piling work completed which is a significant milestone, the project, aims to connect Port Harcourt to several Kalabari communities across the sea, reducing travel time and boosting economic activities in the region.
Highlighting such accelerated development, it becomes more heartwarming that the initial timeline of 32 months for its completion would be achieved. From the current development as confirmed by the governor, there is also indication that within the next six months, critical aspects of the piling and bridges would have been accomplished for lighter thoroughfare.
This legacy project has four river crossing bridges of 576m, 288m, 360m, 108m and nearly five decks-on-pile structures of different meters ranging from 450 to 700 respectively- showcasing its complexity and importance. Further to this, the road is to be lit up with Solar powered street lights on completion with the first phase terminating at Bakana. Once done, there would be a jolly ride from Rumuolumeni in Obio-Akpor (Port Harcourt) to Bakana in Degema Local Government Area of the State seamlessly.
Without doubt, the economic impact of the road is enormous. The project is expected to unlock tourism potentials, improve access to markets, open new cities as there are potentials for new estate development, enhance emergency response, and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The visit is an ample demonstration that Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to funding projects that have significant bearing on the genuine growth and development of Rivers State.
After meandering through the rivers and creeks, to feel the weight of work, asking pertinent questions, he expressed satisfaction with the progress, emphasizing the project’s significance in connecting Kalabari communities to Port Harcourt and promoting economic growth.
Excited by the works, he assured the Rivers people of timely completion, and reiterated the administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across all segments of the State.
Indeed, the Trans-Kalabari road project will remain in history as a most precious legacy gift by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Kalabari Kingdom that no one has ever had the courage to undertake. With this effort, posterity will continue to remember Sir Siminalayi Fubara as a man of uncommon courage for development.
Boniface Onyedi, Ph.D, SSA, Media to Governor of Rivers State, writes from Port Harcourt.
