The economic importance of access road in the development of any state cannot be over emphasized. Unequivocally, eighty percent (80%) of Nigerians are residing in the rural communities. Unfortunately individuals living in the rural area have no access to the bigger cities due to lack of access roads. Non construction of roads from the urban areas to the rural communities has great consequences on the economy of a nation. Why? The bulk of our national resources, including agricultural products come from the rural areas. Absence of roads hamper easily transportation of agricultural produce from the local areas to the big towns, where it can reach the final consumers.
The Kalabari kingdom in Rivers State is one of the economic wires of Nigeria, due to its contributions to the growth of the hydrocarbon industry in the country.
During the reign of Dr. Sir. Peter Odili, a multi billion naira road contract linking Port Harcourt to some major communities in the Kalabari kingdom was awarded, but uptil the time of this piece, the said Trans-Kalabari Highway is yet to be completed. Plethora of reasons have been giving for the none completion of the link road, such lack of finance and other flimsy excuses.
Let me use this medium to commend the governorship candidate of the Rivers PDP, Chief Barr. Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike for promising to construct the Trans-Kalabari link road, if voted into power come February, 28 2015. Wike who made the promise while addressing supporters, party faithful and loyalists at Buguma, headquarters of the Asari-Toru Local Government Area on said that his administration will give priority to the Trans-Kalabari Link Road.
I believe that Wike as a man of vision and mission is known for keeping his words regards to promises that will uplift the living standard of the masses. If the Tans-Kalabari road is completed it will open up the hinterland for unprecedented socio-economic development. ###
