Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers State, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work at the Creek Road Market in Port Harcourt, assuring that it will be completed by January 2027.
A statement by Onwuka Nzeshi, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, on Friday said Fubara stated this on Friday during an inspection visit to the project site.
Fubara said the visit was prompted by his meeting with SETRACO, the construction firm, handling the resurfacing of roads in the old Port Harcourt Township.
He said SETRACO had identified the Creek Road axis as a major cause of delay in its road rehabilitation works, as traders have virtually taken over the road, making it difficult for the contractor to work.
The governor noted that relocating the traders to the new market remained the only solution to freeing the road for the resurfacing work to be done successfully.
Despite the challenges encountered since the commencement of the project, Fubara said he was impressed with what he saw on site, commending the contractor for the quality of the job done so far.
He disclosed that the first phase of the market comprises about 700 stalls and shops, covering both wet and dry sections, which he said is sufficient to accommodate most of the women trading along Creek Road and ultimately restore free flow of traffic along the route.
The governor assured the contractor handling the market project that the State Government will play its part to ensure the project continues as agreed, including addressing the issue of funding in order to guarantee its timely delivery.
Speaking on the benefits of the market, Fubara said the project goes beyond providing trading spaces, as it is also aimed at restoring sanity, decency and a healthy environment in the Old Port Harcourt Township, which he described as home to many aged people and ‘aborigines’ of the city.
He lamented that the situation of the old market forced traders onto the streets, turning the Creek Road and adjoining streets into an open market.
Governor Fubara observed that the current situation of trading along the streets could create serious environmental and health hazards, noting that many diseases are caused by overcrowding, dirt and uncleanliness.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Rivers people, stressing that he is happy not just as head of the current administration, but as a citizen of the State to see a project that will return the old Port Harcourt Township to its cherished status as a clean and orderly city.