The centre-piece of Governor Wike’s development programs have been to improve the living conditions of Rivers people, by developing infrastructure that will enhance their living standards in communities where everyone will be proud to live in.
The actualization of the goals of the administration is a work in progress. However, it is safe to declare that so much has been achieved within the period under review.
Governor Wike started his exemplary leadership with the development of critical infrastructure that improved the living conditions in Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor Local Government Areas.
On his very first day in office on May 29, 2015, the governor launched the “Operation Zero Potholes”. This project created access to densely populated suburbs in Diobu and Borokiri/Port Harcourt Township.
The road and drainage infrastructure across Port Harcourt and Obio/Akpor have led to better housing facilities in different suburbs, improved security and other basic amenities.
Aside, the massive development of road infrastructure in Port Harcourt, Governor Wike has constructed inter and inter community roads in 13 out of the 23 Local Government Areas to create the required access to these areas . The creation of access to communities have created additional settlements and improved housing.
Land Reclamation and Sand-Filling of areas to create additional lands for housing and settlements have received the deserved attention of the Wike administration.
The land reclamation projects in Asalama (Asari-Toru), Bakana (Degema) and Nkpogu/Ogbunabali (Port Harcourt City) are projects that will develop new settlements in the state. In the case of Asari-Toru and Degema Local Government Areas, the beneficiaries of the reclaimed lands would be less privileged persons.
Since May 29, 2015, Governor Wike has created the right environment for the development of affordable housing. The Iriebe Low Housing Estate completed and commissioned by the administration, accommodates 50 low income families, especially civil servants.
The administration constructed 50 one bedroom (self-contained) houses for operatives of the Department of State Services working in the state.
There is the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Air Force Quarters, while the Rivers Quarters at the NNS Pathfinder has been completed and commissioned.
Private Housing Developers have been attracted to the state as a result of the programs of the Wike administration. The Lekki Gardens Estate has been commissioned at the GRA in Port Harcourt.
Port Harcourt has been made more habitable with the installation and revival of street and traffic lights, the construction of Port Harcourt Pleasure Park and the improvement of security across the state.
Governor Wike’s improvement of educational and health facilities across the state have re-established the framework for a rewarding growth of Port Harcourt and other towns in Rivers State. The global award to Governor Wike will serve as an encouragement to other states of the federation to pay more attention to infrastructural and housing development as means of improving the lives of ordinary people.
