FG to commence work on second Niger Bridge soon

The Federal Government has declared that the second bridge across the River Niger would be completed before the expiration of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in 2015 as part of efforts to deliver on the campaign promises of the present government.
The Minister of Works, Mr. Mike Onolemomen stated this yesterday during a stakeholders’ meeting on second Niger Bridge, adding that when the bridge is completed would among other things ease transportation hitches often faced by travellers across the country.
He further said that plans have been completed on the take off for the construction of the second bridge after the completion of geological and hydrological surveys, adding that Julius Berger was the preferred consortium for the project.


The minister further disclosed that the need for the completion of the second bridge across the River Niger was apt to ease transportation problems as well as in line with the fulfillment of President Goodluck Jonathan’s campaign promises. Mr. Onolememen who traced the history of second Niger Bridge said it was Governor Obi’s efforts that enlivened the project otherwise, it would have been a closed chapter, adding that the project will span from Asaba to Ozubulu and Ogbaru areas.
He said he was in Onitsha to acquaint Anambrarians with the latest development about the second Niger Bridge and that the project was designed in such a way that there will be a ring road from Asaba to Onitsha to easy traffic challenges. Governor Peter Obi described the project as very gigantic and assured the federal government that the state government would provide adequate security and other necessary sacrifices that will enhance effective completion of the project.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for fulfilling his promise of building the bridge which he said would among other things bring the sufferings travellers face in the state to an end and assured federal government of proper supervision to ensure hitch free exercise.
The Managing Director of Julius Berger Construction Company, Mr. Wolfgang Goetsch, pledged to carry out the project successfully according to specification and time and commended the federal government for considering them as the preferred consortium.

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, expressed delight that the project is actually taking off and awarded to a very competent construction firm, which he said, was a testimony that the federal government is determined to fulfill their promise to the electorate.
He said there would be unity among the communities where the bridge will pass through and that the project will help to transform Onitsha and its neigbouring communities where the bridge traversed.