The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has issued a directive to Julius Berger PLC, the contractor handling the 35-kilometer Bodo-Bonny road and bridge project in Rivers State, to return to the site and ensure the timely completion of the project.
The minister expressed concern over the contractor’s absence from the site despite the project’s significance for economic transformation in the region. The project, initially awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is approximately 84% complete, with a revised completion date of April 2024 set by the minister.
Umahi, while addressing a delegation from the Bodo-Bonny Road Peace Committee, emphasized the commitment of the Federal Government, under President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, to ensuring the swift completion of the project. He highlighted a partnership agreement between the Federal Government and Nigeria LNG (NLNG) for funding the project and criticized the contractor’s stance on project variations.
The minister asserted that equipment should not be allowed to be moved out of the site, and the project must be completed according to the signed agreement. He praised the host communities for maintaining peace despite project delays and urged them to continue their peaceful approach towards contractors.
Umahi assured the delegation that the Ministry would closely monitor the project’s progress and emphasized that the Federal Government would not allow any contractor to take the country for granted. He mentioned the possibility of managing a coastal road in the same region with more significant challenges at a cost lower than what is currently paid to Julius Berger.
The Federal Director Bridges and Design, Engr. O. O. Awosanya, provided a brief history of the project’s award and funding by Julius Berger. He stated that the project’s completion is at about 84%, and the contractor has requested a review against the signed agreement.
The leader of the delegation and acting Chairman of the Peace Committee, Chief Charles John Jumbo, expressed displeasure over Julius Berger’s demobilization from the site and abandonment of the project. The delegation implored the timely intervention of the Federal Government to prevent hardship for the people in the area.
