Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi has directed that the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State be opened to users by the end of November, with full completion and commissioning scheduled for December.

Umahi gave the directive during an inspection tour of federal road projects across the South-South and South-East regions, where he assessed the level of work done by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc on the 37.9-kilometre Bodo-Bonny Road project.

He disclosed that the project, which began on October 20, 2017, had undergone several cost reviews, from an initial ?120 billion to ?199 billion, and finally to N280 billion, following President Bola Tinubu’s approval to ensure completion.

“This project, 37.9 km, we call it Bodo-Bonny, is exactly eight years old today. The commencement of the project was on 20th of October 2017. The initial contract sum was ?120 billion as of 2017, later augmented to ?199 billion, and now ?280 billion. The President directed, ‘go and give them what they want,’ because of his commitment to the people of the Niger Delta,” Umahi explained.

He said the cost translates to about ?7.4 billion per kilometre, which he described as reasonable given the terrain and the standard of work being executed.

“This is a coastal route going through marshy lands. If we were to do this project now, it would cost over ?15 billion per kilometre. The quality of work is very good, and I’m very happy with the commitment of the project manager,” the Minister stated.

Umahi directed that all barricades be removed by the end of November to allow for partial traffic flow while monitoring continues until the final asphalt surfacing is completed early next year.

“By 15th December, every job here should be completed except asphalt on five kilometres. From the end of November, open the road for traffic and monitor it through December, January, and February before final surfacing. Thereafter, the President will come to commission it,” he announced.

The Minister also revealed plans to install solar-powered streetlights, CCTV cameras, and trees along the embankments, noting that the enhancements would be financed from the project’s contingency funds without additional cost to government.

“Security of this road is very important. If we have reasonable contingency costs, we’ll use them to plant trees, put solar lights, CCTVs, and also create relief stations where vehicles can park and we can monitor security,” he added.

Reacting, Julius Berger’s Project Manager, Tim Nippert, commended Umahi for his trust and encouragement, assuring that the project would be completed within the stipulated time.

“We are very happy for your trustworthy words. You have given us a critical challenge, but we will meet it and not delay it. That’s our full commitment,” Nippert said, describing the project as a new benchmark for concrete road construction in Nigeria.

The engineer’s representative, Ndom Ndifreke, also confirmed that work was progressing smoothly and would be completed on schedule.

At the Eleme-Onne section of the East-West Road, Umahi expressed satisfaction with work handled by Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), explaining that the project had been redesigned from asphalt to reinforced concrete pavement to accommodate heavy industrial traffic.

“This is the most trafficked road in Nigeria, serving the petrochemical plant, port, and refinery. We found the initial ?156 billion asphalt design inadequate and redesigned it using reinforced concrete for durability,” he said.

The Minister revealed that one carriageway and the Aleto Bridge were near completion, with the remaining flyovers and bridges expected to be delivered by April next year.

He directed the installation of solar lights and CCTVs at 30-metre intervals and called for the construction of truck parks to prevent heavy vehicles from damaging the new road.

Umahi also warned against misuse of public infrastructure, urging citizens to take ownership of government projects.

“The President is building roads meant to last 100 years, but we must protect them. People should stop parking trucks on bridges or dumping refuse on medians. Leadership is not just for those in office; every citizen has a role,” he stressed.

The Minister further assured contractors that funding for all NNPC-sponsored road projects, including those in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Delta States, would continue without interruption.

“Funding will not be a problem. By the end of this week, we’ll present a strategic plan to the President for continuous financing of NNPC projects. None of these projects should stop,” he said.

RCC representatives, in their response, thanked the Minister for his guidance and pledged to complete the Eleme section as scheduled.

Umahi concluded by reaffirming President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to completing key infrastructure across Nigeria, saying the Bodo-Bonny and Eleme road projects reflect the administration’s resolve to transform the nation’s transport network. (CHANNELS)