Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has promised to complete a standard hospital in Etche Local Government Area before the end of his administration.
Fubara made this promise on Tuesday while inaugurating the 12.1km Egwi-Afara-Mba Road in Etche, he described healthcare as an area his administration would not abandon despite the limited time remaining in office.
He also said, “One aspect that we will not leave no matter how tight it is to us is the issue of healthcare.”
According to the governor, the administration had commenced the rehabilitation and reconstruction of zonal hospitals across the state, with projects in Bori, Omoku and Degema either completed or nearing completion.
“The only one that we have not done much is that of Etche. But let me promise you that by the special grace of God before we exit there will be a standard hospital to cater for the people of Etche and Omuma,” he said.
Fubara also assured the people of Etche that his administration would examine the request for the construction of the road leading to Ndash.
“On the request about the road leading to Ndash, we will look at it and assure you that for the sake of the Onye Ishi Etche we will do something about it,” he added.
The governor said the completion of the Egwi-Afara-Mba Road was particularly significant because the project was initiated in 2024, at a difficult period for his administration.
He recalled that despite the challenges confronting the government, work on the project continued until it was completed.
Fubara also commended the Etche Local Government Chairman for his efforts in providing street lighting and enhancing the security of lives and property in the area.
He said good governance was fundamentally about providing services and protecting citizens.
He said, “What is governance all about? Governance is providing services, protection of lives and property. You can’t solve every problem but you must try to meet the needs of the people”.
Fubara urged the council chairman to sustain his efforts, noting that public office was temporary but the impact of good governance would remain after office.
“You are not going to be here forever, but what you are doing are the things that will speak for you in the future,” he said.
The governor also acknowledged that his administration had limited time left and could not promise to execute every project demanded by the people.
“I believe strongly that my successor will complete whatever we have started for you,” he said.
He thanked the people of Etche for their support, expressing confidence that all outstanding works would be completed for the benefit of Rivers State residents.
In his project description, the Commissioner for Works, Prof. Temple Nwofor, said the 12.1km road links Egwi-Afara-Mba and also connects to the headquarters of the local government at Okehi.
He noted that the road built to standard had a drain length of 10.2 km, culverts, road shoulders and other ancillaries.
The commissioner highlighted that the road awarded on October 29, 2024, was completed on schedule, underscoring Governor Fubara’s administration’s commitment to delivering quality projects across the state.