Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the Creek Road Market under construction in Port Harcourt will be completed by January 2027, expressing satisfaction with the pace and quality of work on the project.
Fubara gave the assurance on Friday during an inspection visit to the market construction site, explaining that the visit was prompted by a meeting with SETRACO, the construction company handling the resurfacing of roads in the old Port Harcourt Township.
The governor said the company had identified the Creek Road axis as a major obstacle to the progress of its road rehabilitation work, noting that the activities of street traders had made it difficult for the contractor to carry out the required operations.
According to him, traders had virtually taken over the road, making it impossible for the resurfacing work to proceed as planned.
He explained that relocating the traders to the new Creek Road Market remained the only viable solution to clearing the road and enabling SETRACO to execute the rehabilitation project successfully.
Fubara said the construction of the market was therefore important not only for providing a designated trading environment but also for facilitating the completion of road rehabilitation works in the old Port Harcourt Township.
Despite the challenges encountered since the commencement of the market project, the governor expressed satisfaction with the work done so far, commending the contractor for the quality of construction at the site.
He said his inspection had given him confidence in the progress of the project and reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring its timely completion.
The governor disclosed that the first phase of the market would comprise approximately 700 stalls and shops, covering both wet and dry sections.
He said the facilities were expected to accommodate most of the women currently trading along Creek Road, thereby reducing street trading and restoring the free flow of traffic along the route.
Fubara expressed optimism that the availability of the new market would address the challenges associated with roadside trading while providing traders with designated spaces to conduct their businesses.
He also assured the contractor handling the project that the state government would fulfil its responsibilities to ensure that construction continued in line with the agreed arrangements.
The governor specifically acknowledged the issue of funding raised by the contractor, assuring that the government would address the concern to facilitate the timely delivery of the project.
He stressed that resolving the funding challenge was necessary to sustain construction activities and ensure that the market was completed within the January 2027 timeline.
Beyond its commercial purpose, Fubara said the project was designed to restore order, decency and a healthy environment in the old Port Harcourt Township.
He described the township as home to many elderly residents and the city’s indigenous population, stressing the importance of preserving its character as a clean and orderly urban community.
The governor lamented that the condition of the old market had contributed to traders spilling onto the streets, turning Creek Road and adjoining streets into open markets.
He noted that the situation had created difficulties for road users and complicated efforts to maintain order and cleanliness in the area.
Fubara further warned that street trading and overcrowding could pose serious environmental and public health risks, particularly where dirt and poor sanitation were prevalent.
He observed that overcrowded and unclean environments could contribute to the spread of diseases, underscoring the need for a more organised trading arrangement.
The governor said the new market would help address these concerns by providing traders with a designated location while supporting efforts to improve sanitation and environmental conditions within the township.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of the people of Rivers State, describing the project as an important step towards achieving that objective.
Fubara added that his satisfaction with the project extended beyond his responsibility as governor, saying he was also pleased as a citizen of Rivers State to see efforts being made to restore the old Port Harcourt Township to its cherished status as a clean and orderly city.
The state government expressed confidence that the completion of the market would facilitate the relocation of street traders, enable the smooth execution of the Creek Road resurfacing project and contribute to the broader improvement of the old Port Harcourt Township.
