The developmental reforms embarked upon by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in Rivers State since his assumption of office have progressed amid the political upheavals occasioned by his opponents, TODE AKARI writes:....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Rivers State has in recent time witnessed a transformative shift in its infrastructure landscape, driven by the reformative policies of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Despite the backdrop of the unabating political turbulence and distraction in the state, the current administration has continued to pursue a people-oriented infrastructural development, signaling a new era of growth and advancement.
Governor Fubara in his usual calm and collected demeanor, has sustained a multifaceted developmental approach in key areas such as road health and educational infrastructure.
In the area of road construction, a monumental initiative embarked upon by the Governor of the state is the Port Harcourt Ring Road project, a dual carriageway which interlinks six local government areas, namely , Port Harcourt, Obio-Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Ogu-Bolo and spanning 50.15 kilometers with six flyovers and a river-crossing bridge for enhanced transportation efficiency.
Estimated at the cost of N195 billion, it was awarded in July 2023 and expected to be completed within 36 months.
Another notable ongoing road project is the main Trans-Kalabari Road project, extimated to gulp the sum of N222.1billion, traversing very difficult terrain of swamp, rivers and creeks upon which series of bridges.
Amid these gigantic projects, the government is simultaneously constructing the 5-kilometer Okania-Ogbogoro Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, with culverts, drainages, which is already at 90 per cent completed, among other road projects with the he aim of improving traffic connectivity in the state, stimulating the local economy, attracting investors, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and creating job opportunities.
Away from road construction, Governor Fubara has also recorded huge milestones in the healthcare sector by upgrading the Zonal Hospitals in four local government councils in the state.
Consequently, Governor Fubara during the inauguration of the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant – a public-private initiative – at the General Hospital in Ogale Community, Eleme Local Government Area on Tuesday, boasted that health facilities in the state have witnessed tremendous improvement, compared to its previous decrepit state, before his administration came on board.
The Governor noted that tremendous improvements in the health sector, served as a catalyst to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners in considering siting a Medical Oxygen Plant in the State, disclosing that the State healthcare facilities were increasingly becoming more accessible to all residents at primary, secondary and tertiary levels to ensure a healthy society.
He said, “They saw what we’re doing, and they believed that it will be right to partner with Rivers State. Let’s set the record straight: It is not our project. The Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen Plant is a UNICEF project, supported by the Federal Government and other partners.
“But, the unique thing about this project is that it needed to be sited somewhere that people understand its need, people who are spending, making positive investment in healthcare. And that is why we gained that privilege.
“A situation where people from the East, people from other South-South states will be coming to access this facility. You know what it means? On your lands that we’re building more roads for you, people will start buying them to start living here.
“More medical facilities will start to spring up. As a matter of fact, don’t be surprised, most of these international organizations might be coming to set up some plants around here, because what is coming out of here is a very important ingredient in healthcare services,” Fubara added.
The Fubara -led state government has also actualized a series of interventions in the educational sector as several dilapidated schools had been renovated and constructed, thereby engendering a conducive learning environment for residents of the state.
The state government has also distributed educational materials to schools such as textbooks, writing materials, as well as digital learning tools in a bid to enhance learning outcomes in public schools.
The Governor expressed disappointment previous administrations in the state abandoned public education to the extent that 75 percent of primary schools in the state were without teachers and 90 percent of such schools were dilapidated.
Irked by the sad reality, the Governor vowed to transform the sector and assured that he was going to change the trajectory and in no distant time, parents would begin to transfer their children and wards from private back to public schools, emphasising that school supervision would be strengthened to make the public schools a shining model to achieve desired goals.
Governor Fubara’s Reforms, for instance in the health sector, are becoming increasingly evident as residents now experience shorter waiting times, improved treatment outcomes, and a renewed sense of confidence in their healthcare system.
The icing on the cake on the state government’s silent revolution in the state health sector, is not only to revitalise infrastructure, but to boost the life expectancy of the average Rivers man and woman.
Governor Fubara’s legacy will be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the state’s journey towards a healthier, more equitable future, achieved through strategic planning, unwavering commitment, and a focus on sustainable.
Just when Rivers people thought they had seen it all, the Governor hinted that the best it yet to come the Governor has hinted that his administration will in the coming year commit huge budgetary allocation to the health sector, giving it the necessary financial support required to drive the activities in the sector.
“Like I said, my target for 2025 is going to be healthcare, education and agriculture. This is just the start. We are here to assure our people that no matter what it is, we still have our eyes on the ball.
“I will urge the good people of Degema to continue to support us; that this government is purposeful and understands the needs of the people,” he added.
This is as the state government had already resuscitated the abandoned Professor Kelsey Harrison Hospital, located in Mile One, Diobu, Port Harcourt, remodeled and upgraded it to now offer specialised health services, training and serving as a medical research facility.
Others are the Dental, Maxillofacial, Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and Ophthalmology Hospital, upgraded and equipped with state-of-the-art technology which now serves as an annex of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, used for medical research and training, alongside several p rimary healthcare centers across various communities of the state, including Elekahia, Rumuodomaya, Okehi, Oyigbo, Gokana, Opobo, Ahoada, Mina-ama, Okwuzi, and Okochiri communities have all been renovated to enhance access to primary healthcare services.
