The Federal Government has issued a directive for Julius Berger to return to the site and complete the Bodo-Bonny Road and bridge project in Rivers State, which had been abandoned by the construction company.
This directive came after a delegation from the Bodo–Bonny Road Peace Committee expressed their dissatisfaction with the sudden demobilization from the site during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Works, David Umahi.
Umahi, during the visit, emphasized the significance of the Bodo-Bonny road and bridge project, describing it as a catalyst for economic revolution in the area.
He revealed that the contract for the project was awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc by the past administration, with a partnership agreement signed in 2017 between the Federal Government, represented by the Federal Ministry of Works, and NLNG on funding modalities.
However, despite the commitment of the contractor to deliver within the revised completion date, only about 84% of the project has been completed.
The delay in completion was attributed to Julius Berger seeking additional funds for the project, which Umahi criticized, stating that the company had signed an agreement to complete the project without seeking extra funds.
Umahi addressed the delegation, saying, “I implore you, the peace committee, to report to me the progress that has been made on that road. Bobo-Bonny project was augmented to 199 billion, I am told by the Ministry and NLNG Limited (NLNG) that there was a document signed by Julius Berger that the project cannot be varied, which means that the project cost cannot be increased.”
He assured the delegation that the Bodo-Bonny Road project would be completed by April 2024.
However, he warned that if the project is not complete, the host communities should prevent Julius Berger from moving its equipment away from the site.
The minister also unveiled the Federal Government’s plans to construct a coastal road in the area.
He expressed respect for Julius Berger’s quality and commitment but emphasized that the government should not be taken for granted.
The minister considered it arrogant for Julius Berger to demobilize from the site.
The Bodo-Bonny road project, spanning 35.7 kilometers, includes 13 bridges and is a tripartite agreement between the Federal Government, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.
Despite Julius Berger’s request for a contract review in 2021, the Federal Government refused to accept the variation, leading to the project’s abandonment.
