Construction for the second Niger bridge began last week as President Goodluck Jonathan lay the foundation stone. In his speech  President Jonathan said the second Niger Bridge was critical to his administration’s resolve to improve the economic fortunes of the country, describing it as a fulfillment of one of his campaign promises.

According to him, he chose to perform the ground-breaking ceremony before the exit of Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State whose eight-year tenure would end next week because of the governor’s unrelenting efforts to ensure the project was realised.

He said: “It is my resolve and that of my administration to ensure that this unity bridge is built to connect Asaba and Onitsha. I want to urge the governors of Anambra and Delta states to ensure that the project is built on time and according to specification.”

Minister for Works, Mr. Mike Onolemenen, said the project, as part of the transformation agenda of Mr. President, was to improve the infrastructural and socio-economic activities of the nation.

The minister explained that the Federal Government would execute the project under the Public Private Partnership, PPP, arrangement for a concessional period of 25 years through Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer, DPFOT, model.

The Second Niger Bridge, he explained, was 1,590 metres long and forms part of the 11.90 km length project which construction cost was put at N117, 860, 700, 741. 82 vat inclusive.

The project is to be constructed by Julius Berger Plc has an estimated 48 months completion period.

 

2014-03-17