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Monday 8 April 2013

2ND NIGER BRIDGE... FG/UDUAGHAN AGREES ON COMPLETION DATE

#LongOverdue


The Construction of the much awaited 2ND NIGER DELTA BRIDGE has been made feasible with the GOODLUCK Jonathan-led Government as the Federal Ministry of Works is putting finishing efforts to the commencement of the project awarded to German Construction Giant Julius Berger Nigeria.

It's on record that previous administrations has made series of efforts towards the Construction of the all important Bridge but has failed serially which could be attributed to poor administrative Will Power. #LackOfCommitment

On his part, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan is pledging all maximum cooperation for the realization of this all important project that stands as a great Economic Tool for the South-South and South-East Zones.
He made this known while the Minister of Works Arch. Onolememen paid him a courtesy visit to discuss modalities for the successful Construction of the Second Niger Bridge which cuts across from Asaba in Delta State to Onitsha the commercial Hub of Anambra State.

Statistics shows that the intended Project will encompass of a Six Lane Road that will be diverted from the ever busy Onitsha Market to ease Traffic and also a propsed Light Rail Track to be attached to the Bridge.

MOA…

Below is a detailed report on the Minister’s visit.

Gov. Uduaghan And Minister Of Works Iron Out Grey Areas

The much talked about reconstruction of a second Niger Bridge would start very soon.

The Minister of Works, Arc. Mike Onolememen who announced this yesterday (Friday, 15/03/13) when he paid Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State a courtesy call in Asaba, disclosed that the contract for the construction of the bridge has been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited.

Arch. Onolememen explained that the 40 Kilometre six-lane approach roads and bridge would link the Onitsha- Owerri and Onitsha-Enugu dual carriage roads without passing through the ever busy Onitsha Town.

Arch. Onolememen said Julius Berger would soon commence the preliminary processes that would lead to the construction of the bridge and called for co-operation from the state government and other stakeholders to facilitate the removal of impediments that would affect the early completion of the project.

Requesting the Delta State Government to facilitate the acquisition of land and "Right of Way" for the Project, he said construction work would be delayed unless the State Government promptly intervenes in this process.

He asserted that “We are here today (Friday, 15/03/13) to seek your co-operation with the contracting firm, Julius Berger Nig. Ltd in the acquisition of "Right of Way" and Land for the project and to help remove all encumbrances that will delay the early construction of the project.”

Promising that the new bridge when completed would link the South-East and South-South States , the Minister disclosed that the bridge would promote the socio economic development of the two geo-political zones and develop
the frontiers of Asaba and Onitsha.

In his remarks, Governor Uduaghan said the award of the Second Niger Bridge contract was a welcomed development as it will reduce tension and traffic hazards in the Asaba and Onitsha ends of the Old Bridge especially during Festive periods.

Dr. Uduaghan said the Second Niger Bridge was long overdue and expressed the determination of his administration to render the required assistance to enable the Project to be completed on schedule.

Promising to provide security as well as other logistic assistance, he put it this way “The construction of the Second Niger Bridge is long overdue especially as Traffic gridlocks during the festive periods extend over 5 kilometres at the Asaba end of the present Niger Bridge.”

He continued: “the Second Niger Bridge is so important to the people of the South-South and South-East Zones as it is a vital link between Western Nigeria and the Eastern and Northern Nigeria.’

Dr. Uduaghan called on the officials of the Federal Ministry of Works to liaise with the State Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Development on the ‘Right of Way’ and Land acquisition so as to ensure a seamless construction of the project.

He also appealed to the Minister to help fast track the payment of the State claims on money spent on Federal Roads in the State over the years so that the state would continue to render further assistance.


-@MOAgbajoh

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