The Bayelsa State Government has announced that construction work will soon begin on the Oporoma–Ondewari road project in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, advancing Governor Douye Diri’s ongoing efforts to link more riverine communities to the state capital by road.
The project, to be handled by CCECC, covers a 2.7km stretch from Oporoma to Ondewari. It is part of the larger Southern Ijaw road network, where ongoing works connecting Otuan, Oporoma and Eniwari are nearing completion.
Officials of the construction firm have already met with traditional leaders and residents of Ondewari, who expressed excitement over what they described as a long-awaited transformation. Many noted that Ondewari has remained accessible mainly by water for decades, limiting economic activities and development opportunities.
Governor Diri has repeatedly emphasised that the isolation of riverine communities is unacceptable and has prioritised road expansion into difficult terrain to stimulate commerce, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen unity across the state.
Residents of Ondewari pledged full cooperation with the contractors to ensure smooth execution of the project.
“We are happy that this is happening in our lifetime. We cannot thank His Excellency, Sen. Douye Diri, enough,” community members said, adding that they plan to hold an annual celebration titled “Road sef don reach Ondewari” once the project is completed.
The Governor’s road-link initiative has been described as one of the most impactful infrastructural drives in Bayelsa, connecting previously hard-to-reach communities and expanding opportunities for local enterprise and social development.