Bayelsa, Setraco Assure Timely Completion Of Nembe-Brass Road Project

The Bayelsa State Government and Setraco Nigeria Limited have assured residents that the first phase of the multi-billion-naira Nembe-Brass Road project will be completed by the first quarter of 2027.

The assurance followed reports circulating on social media alleging that a structural column on one of the bridges along the ongoing road project had collapsed. The government and the contractor dismissed the claims as false, insisting that construction work was progressing in line with approved engineering designs.

The Nembe-Brass Road project is expected to improve connectivity to Brass Local Government Area and boost infrastructure development in the state.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project by journalists, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Teibowe Moses, said the government considered it necessary to address the allegations to prevent the spread of misinformation about the project.

Moses explained that construction activities were progressing steadily, with preparations underway for the installation of beams on the fifth bridge along the road corridor.

He said the contractor had mobilised the necessary equipment to the site and was making arrangements to commence beam launching within two weeks.

According to the commissioner, the reported collapse of a bridge column was unfounded, adding that the government was committed to ensuring that the project met the required engineering and quality standards.

He said the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure had facilities for testing construction materials to ensure compliance with approved specifications.

Moses also clarified that the project was being executed in accordance with the design prepared by Professor Beredugo, who served as the consultant for the Bayelsa State Government on the road project.

He expressed optimism that the first phase would be ready for commissioning in the first quarter of 2027.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Koku Obiyai, described the Nembe-Brass Road as one of the state government’s priority infrastructure projects.

Obiyai said the first phase covered 21 kilometres and included five bridges, four of which had been completed, with work ongoing on the fifth and final bridge in the phase.

She urged residents to disregard the reports alleging structural failure, maintaining that the government and the contractor were committed to delivering the project in line with the administration’s infrastructure development agenda.

The SETRACO Area Manager for Delta and Bayelsa states, Joseph John, also dismissed claims of cracks or structural defects on the bridge, assuring residents that the company was committed to delivering a quality project within the stipulated timeframe.

John said the contractor had no funding challenges, noting that the state government had continued to release funds for the project.

He reiterated that the fifth bridge was the last of the five bridges planned for the first phase, expressing confidence that construction would be completed as scheduled.

The Nembe-Brass Road project is among the major infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by the Bayelsa State Government to improve road access and connectivity within the state.