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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
As part of efforts to enhance the socio-economic prospects of Bodo and Bonny communities of Rivers State as well as end the perennial transportation challenges in the area, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a total of N280 billion for the completion of Bodo-Bonny Road.
Minister of Works, Senator Nweze David Umahi disclosed this during his visit to the project site.
But he told Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, (contractor handling the project) to work round the clock to beat the project delivery timeline of December 2024.
In a statement, the minister expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid needed to correspond with the project completion. He, however, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as Federal Government would not approve further funds for the project for any reason of variation whatsoever.
“And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It’s a package, and it’s called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach its name. It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you co-operate.
” I will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is there anything that the Minister of Works and Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) will do to fast-track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by December 15, 2024?” Umahi asked.
He commended the president’s commitment towards the completion of the road project. He praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the co-operation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project.
Similarly, the minister has expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East West Road (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) for their inordinate delay on the project despite receiving mobilisation for the job and warned that Federal Government would not entertain any request for Variation on Price ( VOP).
“We are very sad with the manner and behaviour of this contractor—- RCC.The federal government has paid over N40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed. And let me make it very clear that the cost we have given on the review of this project does not attract any VOP. There is no VOP on the project as far as the rates are concerned now” he said
He decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed the intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being pending when the company remobilises to the site.
“So, we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road. We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It’s not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job” the minister noted.
Other projects inspected by the minister were the dualisation of East-West Road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa states) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood damaged locations along the dualisation of East-West Road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa states being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.
The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate and Senator representating Ebonyi North Senatorial District, Barrister Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi who was part of the inspection and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo thanked the president for the great difference his administration has brought in the Nigeria’s road infrastructure trajectory. They appreciated the Minister of Works for handling the mandate of the Ministry of Works with an exceptional sense of passion and professionalism.
“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate once again the performing Minister of Works who is doing wonderfully well on all our roads across the nation. This is one of them, the Bodo-Bonny Road. And I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job within a record time” Nwaebonyi said.
Professor Jasper Jumbo said: “And I must commend your patriotism. I must commend your professionalism. One thing that this administration has shown us is that we enlisted people of credibility and people of integrity. I commend the president, for bringing such a minister that is committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope” he said.
The NLNG representative and manager, Government Relations, Dienye Godson, also thanked the president and his team for the will to complete the project.
“I must commend the minister for all the efforts he has put in. He has spent several weeks and obviously has been very patient. And that has led us to where we are today. So, as a company, we are happy. So, at this stage now, we’ll go back and go through our own internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as we can to the government.” he stated.
On behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project manager stated:
“We will not lean back, and we’ll continue and expedite the re-mobilisation of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, minister, we as partners in progress must have all hands on deck” he assured.
ENDS
