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…Laud Progress On Phase One
Indications have emerged that there were palpable fear and rising anxiety among benefiting communities in the phase two of the Nembe-Brass road project in Bayelsa State over the uncertainty surrounding the fate of the project.
Some communities folks who spoke with our source with preference for anonymity alleged that there were fears of abandonment owing to the contractor’s incapacity, and the presence of abandoned construction equipment now posing serious safety risks.
They revealed that the contracting firm for the 2nd phase of the project, AIL Infrastructure Ltd has deserted the site, raising widespread concern that the long-awaited phase may never be completed.
Our Source gathered that the phase two of the Nembe-Brass Road project was awarded by the Federal government to AIL Infrastructure Ltd and its under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of works.
It would be recalled that excitement greeted the award of the contract when the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri received the Chairman of AIL Infrastructure Limited, Mr. Abiodun Otunola at Government House, Yenagoa, the state capital.
While receiving the contractor, Diri expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for approving the second phase of the strategic road project, describing it as a major boost to Bayelsa’s long-term development aspirations.
As at then the governor was quoted having said: “This project reaffirms Mr. President’s vision for inclusive national growth and development. The people of Bayelsa deeply appreciate this milestone”.
He further recalled that the Nembe–Brass Road vision dates back to over 60 years, stressing that the State Government took the bold step to commence the project despite the enormous financial burden, driven by the need to improve connectivity, stimulate economic growth, and unlock the state’s Atlantic Ocean economic corridor.
However, our Source also reports that contrary to the fears surrounding the Phase Two, the first phase of the project has recorded significant and verifiable progress, according to the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Providing an update, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Surv.Moses Teibowei, disclosed that construction activities on the 21-kilometre Phase One corridor were advancing steadily toward final pavement.
He said: “Sand filling across the entire 21km stretch has been completed. Sand-cement stabilization has advanced to kilometre 15, while stone base preparation has reached kilometre 13.5, and so motorists would soon begin to experience the impact of the project.
“Vehicles will be able to reach the St. Nicholas River by the end of this year, 2026”.
On bridge construction, the commissioner noted that there were remarkable progress:
He added: “The second major bridge over the Kiberi River is at an advanced stage of completion, while Bridges Three and Four are each about 90 percent completed. The progress here is remarkable.
Our source further gathered that the Phase One contract is being executed by Setraco, whose pace of work residents say stands in sharp contrast to the handling of Phase Two.
Meanwhile, the slow pace and alleged abandonment of the Phase Two project has reportedly drew the attention of Nembe Se Forum, a socio-political think tank that investigated the contractor’s capacity and raised public concern over the project’s direction.
Sources also disclosed that following the forum’s alarm, the contractor mobilised a few heavy-duty equipment to the site, but however, the equipment was allegedly abandoned midway, creating new hazards rather than progress.
Some residents in the Okpoama town axis of the road say abandoned trucks and machinery have become dangerous obstacles, especially at night.
Tari Efebo, a resident whose house front was affected in the area, expressed grave concern.
He said: “The dumping of these abandoned equipment is dangerous. People commute on this road daily, and at night motorcycles can ram into these trucks.
“When lives are lost, we begin to apportion blame. I am calling on the Bayelsa State Government and the Federal Government to urgently call the contractor to order and evacuate these equipment before innocent lives are lost.”
Efforts by our Source to reach the Federal Controller of Works were unsuccessful before press time, just as representatives of AIL Infrastructure Ltd also failed to respond to repeated calls and messages.
With Phase One advancing steadily and Phase Two stagnating amid safety concerns, residents fear that the second phase of the Nembe–Brass Road may degenerate into another abandoned federal project in the Niger Delta.
“We’re calling for urgent intervention to protect lives, enforce accountability, and ensure that the road long viewed as a lifeline for Nembe and Brass does not become another symbol of broken promises”, a cross section of affected community leadders said
