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ITODE AKARI
The ongoing 12.5-kilometre Trans-Kalabari Road project, designed to connect Port Harcourt to several Kalabari communities across the sea, has been described as Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s legacy gift to the Kalabari Kingdom.
Dr. Boniface Onyedi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, made the remark in a statement issued in Port Harcourt over the weekend.
He recalled Governor Fubara’s recent inspection of the project on Monday, October 27, 2025, during which the Governor defied a heavy downpour to personally assess the level of work done.
According to Onyedi, the gesture reflects the Governor’s unwavering commitment to transforming the infrastructural landscape of Rivers State and bridging the gap between rural and urban communities.
“That wasn’t just one of those common statescrafts, no. It was an extraordinary assignment that clearly defines his innermost conviction for leadership and his determination to walk the talk,” Onyedi stated.
He further noted that the Trans-Kalabari Road holds immense economic and social significance, as it will open up access to several riverine communities, boost trade, and ease movement of goods and people across the Kalabari axis.
Onyedi lauded the Governor’s visionary stride and reaffirmed that the project stands as a testament to Fubara’s promise of inclusive development and equitable distribution of infrastructure across all parts of Rivers State.
“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,” Onyedi stated.
Dr. Onyedi, said the Trans-Kalabari Road project had recorded steady progress before the political interregnum that briefly interrupted its momentum.
He noted that barely a month after resuming office, Governor Siminalayi Fubara took bold and deliberate steps to physically evaluate the level of work done by the contractor, Lubriks Construction Company.
According to him, although the Governor had received reports from the supervising ministry on the status of the project, he believed in seeing things for himself to ensure a proper and accurate appraisal of progress.
Onyedi said, “After inspecting three critical points of the project tucked deep within the sea and creeks, Governor Fubara expressed great relief and satisfaction, adjudging the project to be progressively on course as expected.”
He disclosed that about 75 percent of the critical piling work had already been completed, a significant milestone that underscores the Governor’s commitment to delivering a project that will connect Port Harcourt to several Kalabari communities across the sea, thereby reducing travel time and boosting economic activities within the region.
“With this accelerated pace of development, it is heartwarming to note that the initial 32-month timeline for completion remains achievable. From the Governor’s assessment, there are clear indications that within the next six months, critical aspects of the piling and bridge works would have been completed, allowing for lighter traffic movement along the route,” Onyedi remarked
He explained that the project consists of four major river-crossing bridges measuring 576 metres, 288 metres, 360 metres, and 108 metres, as well as five decks-on-pile structures ranging from 450 to 700 metres, a clear testament to its technical complexity and strategic importance.
Dr. Onyedi further revealed that the road will be fitted with solar-powered streetlights upon completion, with the first phase terminating at Bakana. Once completed, he said, motorists will enjoy a seamless and pleasurable ride from Rumuolumeni in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area (Port Harcourt) to Bakana in Degema Local Government Area, traversing what will soon become one of the most vital infrastructural arteries in Rivers State.
“Without doubt, the economic impact of the Trans-Kalabari Road is enormous.
“The project will unlock tourism potential, improve access to markets, open up new communities and estates, enhance emergency response capabilities, and stimulate sustainable economic growth across the region,” Onyedi emphasized.
He described the Governor’s visit as a clear demonstration of his commitment to funding projects that have a genuine bearing on the growth and development of Rivers State, noting that Fubara’s leadership style prioritizes action over rhetoric.
Onyedi said, “After meandering through the rivers and creeks to feel the weight of work and asking pertinent questions, Governor Fubara expressed satisfaction with the progress.
“He reaffirmed the significance of the project in connecting Kalabari communities to Port Harcourt and driving economic integration across the state.”
Onyedi added that the Governor who was visibly impressed with the quality and speed of work, assured Rivers people of timely completion and reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering transformative infrastructure projects across all parts of the State.
“Indeed, the Trans-Kalabari Road project will remain a historic and precious legacy gift by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the Kalabari Kingdom, a daring vision no one had previously attempted.
“With this courageous effort, posterity will remember Sir Siminalayi Fubara as a man of uncommon vision and unwavering commitment to the development of Rivers State,” he concluded.
