The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has assured the people of Rivers, of the Federal Government’s resolve to complete the construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road within the revised completion date of August 2022.

Mr. Omotayo Awosanyo, Director Highway, Bridges and Design in the Ministry made the remarks during an inspection visit to the project site on Friday in Bodo, Rivers.

Awosanya said that the project was awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria PLC on Dec. 11, 2014 with the cost of N120 billion was likely to be delivered as schedule by Aug. 19, 2022.

“The project cost N120 billion is likely to be delivered as scheduled because Mr President is very much interested in the completion due to its economic value.

“It will be of high economic benefit to the empowerment of the people of Rivers and the country at large. It is funded through budget provisions and Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited that indicated interest to fund the project and get tax credit.

“We have about 31.04 per cent on physical accomplishment with 62.98 per cent time lapse,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr Thomas Hagu, the Project Manager for Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, said that the company had completed the “Afa-Creek up to deck, with parapets installed on the LHS; and RHS installation on going”.

Hagu stated that the Afa-Creek 36 metres mini bridge with 12 piles, while 60 metres with 16 piles cross beams had been completed.

He said that 204 metres pipeline crossing and many others had been completed .According to Hagu, the bridge casting yard of the Opobo Channel Bridge is in progress as drilling works for piles have begun, while demolition of compensated structures has been substantially completed.

He said that about 300 youths across the host communities would be employed, adding that the project would be accomplished at the revised completion date which is Aug. 19, 2022.

In his speech, Eze Benson Egewere, the Okaan-Ama of Ataba kingdom, said that residents of the communities were very happy and impressed by the ongoing project.

The Traditional Ruler also commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for approving their request for a bridge to pass through Ataba to Bonny.Egewere assured that the communities would cooperate with the government and the contractor to accomplish the project. (Independent)

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