Traders have become the first victims of the highly applauded decision to build three flyovers in the Rivers State capital; two on Aba Road and one on Ikwerre Road at Rumuokoro round about.
The governor said demolition would start immediately, meaning hundreds of traders would be cut off from economic activities and daily income.
The government argues that it has compensated the landlords who own the buildings to be demolished and had no responsibility but some social critics insist that the numerous traders were also stakeholders who should be considered. Omas Gerry argued that the traders were paying taxes but a government supporter argued that paying tax did not qualify the traders for government care or resettlement.
Gerry however insisted that environmental impact assessment of such a project was compulsory by a 1992 law and that it ought to be published 21 days for review and reaction by members of the public. Others supporting government help to the traders pointed at some oil companies that helped displaced traders and occupants at Robertkiri Island to relocate after the company had paid the landlords. They called it social responsibility, whether the traders and residents were landlords or not.
Gov Wike who signed the N21BN flyover contracts and paid 70 per cent upfront to Julius Berger has however called on traders and residents to cooperate with the Rivers State Government to deliver the Rebisi, Rumuogba and Okoro-nu-odo Flyover Bridges on schedule.
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Gov Wike last week Thursday moved from shop to shop at Rebisi (former Garrison) and Rumuogba (former Artillery) Flyover Bridges sites, personally appealing to the traders and residents to vacate the buildings marked for demolition.
The Governor urged the traders and residents to make sacrifices, since the Flyover Bridges will be in the interest of all residents of the state.
He said: “I have come to speak to them, let them appreciate our efforts better. Now times are hard, but they have to understand with us. I took it upon myself to personally explain to them that the time we notified them has elapsed. But I have extended it to Tuesday next week (January 14, 2020) after which demolition will start. I am here because I don’t want Julius Berger to have excuses. These bridges must be delivered on schedule”.
Gov Wike said that though the exercise was painful, all residents must contribute to ensure the Flyover Bridges are delivered. “I am here to personally appeal to the people because I feel their pain. But this is a sacrifice everyone must make for the State to move forward.
“To do three Flyover Bridges the same time is not an easy task. Therefore, we must work hard to achieve the target. The Target is that Julius Berger must hand over the three Flyover Bridges on 20th February, 2021.
“It is about one year from now, the time will elapse and people will start saying nothing was done. We don’t want such a situation”.
Gov Wike said that the Rivers State Government has paid compensation to the owners of the marked houses, pointing out that they were duly notified that the demolition would take place. He, however, said that he decided to visit the traders to give the entire process a human face. You supported me, but this is for the good of the people”.
