By Favour Bibaikefie

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed delight over the progress recorded on the ongoing construction of the first phase of the Nembe-Brass Road, describing the project as a major milestone in efforts to open up riverine communities in the state’s eastern senatorial district.

The governor made the remarks during an inspection tour of the 21-kilometre phase one section of the road project on Tuesday, where he assessed the level of work completed by the contractors.

The road project, which traverses challenging mangrove swamps and waterways, is considered one of the state’s most ambitious infrastructure undertakings aimed at linking previously inaccessible communities by road.

Accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, Governor Diri inspected the completed asphalted stretch covering about 10 kilometres and several bridges before crossing by barge to evaluate ongoing work on another section that has already been stabilised.

Speaking after the inspection, Diri described the project as a fulfillment of a long-held aspiration of the people of Nembe and Brass local government areas.

“I feel accomplished. It is one thing to have the vision and another thing to have the will to do it,” the governor stated.

According to him, the road remains one of the most significant development projects undertaken in the state due to its strategic importance to the riverine communities.

“Being a Bayelsan, the importance of this road cannot be over-emphasised. This is what the people have been yearning for and I’m satisfied that the people are happy about the project,” he said.

The governor noted that his administration has consistently met its financial obligations to the contractors and expressed confidence that the project would be delivered as scheduled.

“On funding, we have never disappointed the contractor and I believe they will not disappoint us. By the time the road is completed, it will reduce cases of sea piracy,” Diri added.

He also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the second phase of the project being handled by the Federal Government.

“There was another President when we proposed this road. We wrote, nobody answered us then. But this President did not only answer us, he awarded the contract for the second phase,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, ESV Moses Teibowei, expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that the most difficult aspects of the project had already been addressed.

He disclosed that the fifth bridge currently under construction is expected to be completed within the next three months and assured residents that the entire project remains on schedule.

Providing further updates on the project, the South-South Area Manager of Setraco Construction Company, covering Bayelsa and Rivers states, Mr. Jose Cosme, assured that the first phase of the Nembe-Brass Road would be completed and delivered by December 2026.

The Nembe-Brass Road project is widely regarded as a transformative infrastructure development expected to enhance transportation, improve economic activities, boost security, and strengthen connectivity between communities across Bayelsa’s riverine axis.