Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Governor Siminalayi Fubara has embarked on an ambitious agenda to revitalize Rivers State, focusing on infrastructure, healthcare, education, civil service welfare, and economic empowerment. Despite inheriting 34 uncompleted road projects valued at over ₦225 billion, his administration has made significant strides in completing and initiating key projects.
Infrastructure Development For Rivers State
Governor Fubara’s administration has prioritized road infrastructure to enhance connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the state. Notable projects include:
- Port Harcourt Dual Carriage Ring Road: A 50.15 km project passing through six local government areas, nearing completion with three flyovers already constructed.
- Opobo Ring Road: A 3 km road completed to improve access to the Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area.
- Bori City Internal Roads: Revitalizing the historic city with 13.3 km of internal roads nearing completion
- Elelenwo Internal Roads: Ongoing development in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to improve urban mobility.
- Trans Kalabari Road: A 12.5 km project aimed at enhancing transportation in the Kalabari region.
Additionally, the administration has completed several road projects, including the 10.9 km Aleto-Eteo-Ebubu Road and the 15.24 km Emohua-Tema Road.
Healthcare Initiatives For Rivers State
Governor Fubara has focused on improving healthcare services through various initiatives:
- Recruitment of Healthcare Workers: Over 1,000 new health workers have been recruited to strengthen the healthcare workforce.
- Rivers State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme: Launched to provide affordable healthcare services to residents.
- Hospital Infrastructure: Contracts have been awarded for the construction of Bori and Omoku Zonal Hospitals to enhance healthcare delivery.
Educational Advancements
The administration has made significant investments in education:
- Free WAEC/SSCE Registration: Implemented for all Rivers children, along with the distribution of textbooks and school materials.
- Institutional Development: Governing councils have been constituted for Rivers State University, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, and Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.
- Secondary School Projects: Completed Government Comprehensive Secondary Schools in Alesa, Okoroma, and Okakhi to improve access to quality education.
Civil Service and Welfare Enhancements
Governor Fubara has implemented measures to improve the welfare of civil servants:
- Promotion and Bonuses: Implemented promotions for stagnated civil servants and a ₦100,000 Christmas bonus.
- Minimum Wage Increased
- State Secretariat Renovation: Restored water supplies, functional elevators, and renovated the complex to improve working conditions.
Economic Empowerment and Housing
The administration has focused on economic empowerment and housing:
- Micro Enterprise Fund: Signed a ₦1 billion fund with the Bank of Industry, with ongoing disbursement to boost the local economy.
- TAF City Housing Units: Construction of 20,000 units for low-income earners to address housing deficits.
- Port Harcourt International Automobile Spare Parts Trading Centre: Flagged off at Kilometer 17, Port Harcourt/Aba Expressway to promote commerce.
Sports Development
Governor Fubara has supported sports development through:
- Funding for Teams: Provided financial support to Rivers Queens Handball Team, Rivers Hoopers Basketball Team, and Rivers United Club.
- Athlete Incentives: Rewarded athletes with monetary gifts for their achievements.