Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has flagged off the construction of Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road to link the rural communities of Etche Local Government Area to the economic zone of the state.
Flagging off the road construction on Wednesday , Governor Wike said that the road will expand economic opportunities in the area and empower the people.
He said that the 23.3kilometre road is the fifth major road to be constructed by the administration since May 29, 2015.
He said: “Etche people this is the fifth major road this administration is constructing in this local government area.
“This is to show that politics must not be deceitful. If you make a promise, you are under obligation to fulfil the promise.
“Some politicians plead for votes, but after elections, they run away. It is unfortunate that since the creation of this state, this important road has not been constructed “.
The governor noted that in line with his campaign promises to the people of the area the road will be constructed on schedule .
“We are not here to give excuses, because excuses are not necessary. This tells the Etche people who is their brother? Under this administration, an Etche man became a High Court judge and an Etche man was appointed a Vice Chancellor of a university.
“Etche is key and very important to Rivers State and it must be at par with others. Etche was relegated in the past, but we are working to lift Eitche. We will continue to support and develop Etche “, Governor Wike said.
Rivers State Works Commissioner, Mr Dum Dekor said that the 23.3kilometre road has 20 culverts and will provide 550 direct employment opportunities for the people.
He said Odufor-Akpoku-Umuoye Road is a virgin road being constructed from start to finish by the Wike administration.
A representative of the communities, Mr Amadi Sunny said Governor Wike has rescued them from the grip of under-development through the construction of the road.
He said since the colonial era the road has been in a deplorable state because successive administations have neglected it.
Mr Amadi said that the people of Etche will support Governor Wike and the PDP in 2019 because of the kind gesture.
