NDDC Set To Inaugurate Completed 25.7 kilometre Ogbia-Nembe Road

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has stated that it is ready to inaugurate the completed 25.7-kilometer Ogbia-Nembe Road in Bayelsa State, which was built in collaboration with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC.

During an inspection tour of the road, which includes seven bridges, 53 culverts, and spurs to 14 communities, NDDC Executive Director, Projects, Sir Victor Antai, revealed that the Commission had begun discussions with the main contractor, SETRACO, to make minor repairs to the road in preparation for the commissioning ceremony.

Antai, who was accompanied by NDDC directors and engineers, stated that the project was not only a flagship of intervention in the Niger Delta, but also a model of development collaboration between the Commission and International Oil Companies (IOCs) in the area.

According to a statement issued on Friday by Pius Ughakpoteni, Director Corporate Affairs, the Executive Director stated that the current NDDC Board and Management will not relent in ensuring the completion and commissioning of legacy projects designed to transform the entire Niger Delta region.

He stated, “The Ogbia-Nembe Road demonstrates the importance we place on high-quality job performance. This is the standard we will maintain for all our road projects. Going forward, we want to extend this to all our projects.

“The Ogbia-Nembe Road was an excellent example of what can be accomplished when development agencies, businesses, and state governments work together. It is a clarion call to all our development partners.”

The NDDC Director, Environmental Protection and Control, Engr Onuoha Obeka noted that the road, which cut through swampy terrain, encountered many challenges.

“We are happy that in spite of the challenges, the project connecting about 14 communities in the Ogbia-Nembe axis of Bayelsa State, has been completed. These communities were hitherto, not accessible by road.

“This is the first connection between them and the upland and it will boost the socio-economic fortunes of the people.”

Obeka said that the project was an opportunity for the NDDC engineering crew to improve their skills.

He remarked, “The challenges we faced here were unique: building a road in a mangrove swamp.” You will notice that both sides of the road are filled with water. The road was actually built on a sand embankment of 2.5 million cubic metres of sand.”

“To conquer the swampy terrain, the construction involved digging out four metres of clay soil and filling it with sand to form a road base.