Rivers community leaders hail NDDC over bridge project

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Samuel Ogbuku. Photo: NDDC

Community leaders and stakeholders in Ataba Kingdom in the Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State have commended the Niger Delta Development Commission over the execution of the landmark Kaa-Ataba Road and Bridge project.

The leaders described the project, which links Kaa in the Khana Local Government Area to Ataba as a historic intervention that has ended decades of isolation and hardship for riverine communities in Andoni.

Speaking during an interview in Ataba, the Head Chief of Ogogo Village, Chief John Ekwang, said the people of Ataba are happy over the bridge, which he described as the longest in the Niger Delta.

Ekwang noted that for decades, the people of Ataba and neighbouring communities depended solely on wooden boats to access mainland markets, schools and hospitals, a situation that led to loss of life, farm produce and economic opportunities.

He added, “For many years, we cried for this bridge. Our children risked their lives crossing the river to go to school. Our women lost their fish and farm produce because there was no road. Today, NDDC has wiped our tears.

“This is the first time the government has truly remembered us.”

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He assured the commission of the community’s full support and cooperation to protect the infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Elders Forum in Ataba, Mr ThankGod Egart, said the bridge would transform the socio-economic life of Andoni people, adding that it would reduce transport costs, boost trade and enhance security in the area.

“We have buried people waiting for boats. We have lost perishable goods. With this bridge, our children can now go to school and return safely. Our fish will reach Port Harcourt and Bori fresh. We thank President Bola Tinubu and the NDDC Board and Management for giving us this hope,” Egart stated.

The Kaa-Ataba Bridge project comprises a 1.2-kilometre main bridge with 57 piers, a 250-metre second bridge with 15 piers, and a 2-kilometre double-lane road linking Khana and Andoni local government areas.

Meanwhile, the NDDC in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama said the bridge is one of several legacy projects to be completed under its current Board and Management, led by Chairman Mr Chiedu Ebie and Managing Director Dr Samuel Ogbuku, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.