Governor Douye Diri has expressed delight over the steady progress being recorded on the construction of the 21-kilometre Phase One of the Nembe-Brass Road project, describing the landmark infrastructure as a dream fulfilled for both his administration and the people of Nembe and Brass Local Government Areas.
The governor made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the ongoing project in Bayelsa State’s Eastern Senatorial District, where he assessed the level of work completed and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to connecting remote riverine communities through modern road infrastructure.
Diri said the road project represents one of the most ambitious undertakings in the state’s history due to the challenging terrain of the Niger Delta, which is characterised by vast mangrove forests, creeks, swamps, and rivers that have traditionally limited access to many communities.
Accompanied by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Moses Teibowei, the governor inspected the asphalted 10-kilometre stretch of the road and several bridges already completed along the route.
The inspection team also crossed a river on a barge to evaluate work on another section of the project where approximately 10 kilometres of the road alignment has been stabilised in preparation for further construction activities.
Speaking after the inspection, Diri expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work being carried out by the contractors, noting that the project was steadily moving toward achieving its intended objective of opening up communities that had remained largely isolated for decades.
According to him, the Nembe-Brass Road is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a strategic investment aimed at stimulating economic growth, improving transportation, enhancing security, and creating opportunities for residents of the area.
He stated that previous administrations and generations of Bayelsans had long envisioned a road linking the coastal communities of Nembe and Brass to the rest of the state, but the difficult geographical conditions had made the dream appear almost impossible.
The governor said his administration was determined to overcome those challenges and leave behind a legacy of transformative development that would benefit both present and future generations.
“This project is a dream come true not only for me but for the people of Nembe and Brass. For many years, people talked about connecting these communities by road, but today we are seeing that vision become reality,” he said.
Diri noted that constructing a road through dense mangrove forests and across numerous rivers required significant engineering expertise, financial commitment, and political will.
He praised the contractors and engineers handling the project for their dedication and professionalism despite the complexities associated with working in the difficult terrain of the Niger Delta.
The governor explained that when completed, the road would significantly reduce travel difficulties faced by residents, improve movement of goods and services, and strengthen economic ties between communities in the Eastern Senatorial District and other parts of Bayelsa State.
He further stated that improved accessibility would encourage investment, boost commercial activities, and create employment opportunities for local residents.
According to him, easier transportation links would also improve access to education, healthcare, and other essential public services for people living in previously hard-to-reach areas.
Diri emphasised that infrastructure development remains a central pillar of his administration’s agenda, adding that his government would continue to invest in projects capable of unlocking the economic potential of the state.
He described the Nembe-Brass Road as a strategic corridor that could transform the socio-economic landscape of Bayelsa by facilitating movement between communities and attracting development to areas that have historically been underserved.
The governor also commended the people of the affected communities for their patience, cooperation, and support throughout the construction process.
He assured residents that his administration would continue to monitor the project closely to ensure that quality standards are maintained and that work is completed within the expected timeframe.
Residents and stakeholders in the area have welcomed the project, describing it as a historic development that could permanently change the fortunes of many riverine communities.
Many believe that the road will end decades of transportation difficulties, particularly for communities that have relied almost entirely on water transport for movement and economic activities.
The project is also expected to strengthen regional integration and provide easier access to the Brass area, which hosts significant oil and gas assets and possesses considerable economic potential.
As work continues on the ambitious infrastructure project, the inspection by Governor Diri has reinforced confidence that the long-awaited road is steadily taking shape.
For many residents of Nembe and Brass, the sight of asphalted roads, completed bridges, and ongoing construction activities represents more than physical infrastructure, it symbolises hope, progress, and a future in which their communities are no longer cut off from the opportunities available in other parts of Bayelsa State.
