The Federal Government of Nigeria has authorized N280 billion in funding for the completion of the Bodo-Bonny Road project in Rivers State.
This was revealed by the Minister of Works, Engr David Umahi during his visit to the project site for inspection on Wednesday.
He warned that the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must work round the clock to beat the project delivery timeline, being December 2024.
David Umahi expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money being paid needed to correspond with the project completed.
This was contained in a statement that was signed by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uchenna Orji.
He, however, enjoined that the contractor should ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as the Federal Government would not approve further funds for the project for any reason whatsoever.
He said, “And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost.”
“It has been 11 years, and we don’t want it to exceed this year. And so it is in your interest that you cooperate,” he added.
The Minister commended the President, Bola Tinubu’s commitment towards the completion of the road project.
He praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperative uprightness of NLNG funding the project.
Similarly, the Minister also expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East West Road from Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction.
He stated, “The federal government has paid over 40 billion on the 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,” he mentioned.
He decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed his intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site.
“So we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road,” he stated.
“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,” he also added.
saharandaily