#280Bn APPROVED FOR COMPLETION OF BODO-BONNY ROAD PROJECT ..... Contractor Must Meet Completion Deadline Date Of December 2024 For Project Delivery, Says Works Minister

Minister of Works, David Umahi during an inspection visit to the Bodo-Bonny road project recently.

"In case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It is a package, and it is called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their 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 cooperate". David Umahi warns.

The Federal Government has announced the approval of the total and final sum of N280 billion for the completion of the Bodo-Bonny road project. 

This is in furtherance of the resolve of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring to a conclusive end the perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South South of Nigeria and thus enhance the socio-economic prospects of the two communities of Rivers State, 

Making this known is the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi while on an  inspection visit to the project site on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. 

Speaking to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contractor handling the project, the Works Minister warned that they must work round the clock to beat the project  delivery timeline of December 2024.

Expressing his strong reservations over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, Engr Umahi insisted that the amount of money paid needed to correspond with the project completed.

He, however, enjoined the contractor to 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 of variation whatsoever. 

"And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It is a package, and it is called lump sum final completion package to Julius Berger to do a beautiful job and attach their 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 cooperate".

"Therefore, is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024?". He asked.

The Minister however commended the  President's commitment towards the completion of the road project.

He praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny  Peace Committee and the the cooperation  and uprightness of  NLNG funding the project.

Umahi, while on inspection visit to the site of the ongoing reconstruction of the 15km East-West Road (Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction), berated the Contractor, RCC over the attitude displayed especially their inordinate  delay on the project despite receiving mobilization for the job.

The Minister expressed his dismay with the Contractor, warning that the Federal Government would not entertain any request for Variation on Price( VOP). 

"We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC. The federal government has paid over 40 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 stated.

The Minister decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention of the government to source funds to maintain  the road for the time being pending when the company remobilizes to the site.

Other projects inspected by the Minister of Works were the dualization 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 dualization of East-West road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.

Giving words of commendation, the Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi representating Ebonyi North Senatorial District, who was part of the inspection  visit and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo thanked the President for the great difference his administration has brought in 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.  

In his speech, Sen. Nwaebonyi said; "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."

Professor Jasper Jumbo, on his part, commended the patriotism of the Minister of Works. He said; "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 Mr. President, for bringing such a minister that is committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope."

The representative of the NLNG and Manager, Government Relations, Dienye Godson also thanked President Bola Tinubu and his team for the will to complete the project. 

"I must commend the Honourable 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. At this stage now, we will go back and go through our own internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as we can to the government." 

In his assurances on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the Project Manager stated, "We will not lean back, and we will continue and expedite the re-mobilization of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, Honourable Minister, we as partners in progress must have all hands on deck."

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Works, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji and made available to journalists.