The Bonny-Bodo road in River State is to be opened to motorists by the end of November this year.
The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi made this known during the inspection tour of the road in Bonny Local Government of River State.
The Minister who expressed satisfaction on the quality of work done by the Contractor , Julius Berger Nigeria Limited also ordered that Solar street lights, Tree planting and CCTV should be incorporated into the road design.
The 37.9 Bonny – Bodo road project was awarded by the Buhari administration on 20th October 2017 for an initial cost of 120 Billion Naira.
Today, the project is valued at over 280 Billion Naira with the estimated cost per kilometers of 7.4 Billion Naira.
The Minister of Works Senator Dave Umahi who expressed satisfaction over the precision and quality of work done, mandated the contractor to ensure that every work to be done on the remaining 5 kilometers should be completed by December 15 except for the laying of asphalt which he noted would be done by February next year.
“I’m directing the controller by the end of November, go and remove all the barricades and open the road for traffic so that the vehicles can help to also and then we watch the road for December and February, Tim will put the asphalt so that we call the President to come and commission it.”
“If we have a reasonable cost of contingency then we use it to plant trees, put solar lights and CCTV because the security of this road is very important.”
The Engineer’s representative Mr Idom Joseph said despite the weather condition, the 5 kilometers unfinished section of the road would become motorable by the December 15th deadline.
“There are moments if you are laying that one, you will not do it when it is raining. This area is peculiar because of the consolidation and which we are working on it.”
“Everything has been made possible and we promise, this place will be motorable by that December.”
The Representative of Julius Berger Nigeria Limited, Mr. Tim Nippert while explaining the complex engineering processes employed to ensure the road project gets to its current stage also thanked the Minister of Works for providing the necessary support needed to ensure the swift completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road Project.
The Bonny-Bodo Road project with multiple bridges is considered a catalyst for economic growth in the Niger Delta region by connecting the Bonny industrial hub to the mainland which will improve transportation and economic opportunities for residents.
