Federal government has approved the final payment of N280 billion for completing the Bodo-Bonny Road project.
The minister of works, Sen. Engr. Nweze David Umahi disclosed this yesterday during an inspection visit to the project site.
Umahi, in a statement by his special adviser on Media Barr, Orji Uchenna Orji, warned that the contractor handling the project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, must work around the clock to beat the project delivery timeline of December 2024.
He expressed reservation over the contractor’s handling of the Bodo-Bonny project, insisting that the amount paid must correspond with the project’s completion.
He, however, urged the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline. The federal government would not approve additional 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’s a package, called a lump sum completion package, for 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, ”
He added, ” I will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc: Is there anything that the minister of works and NLNG will do to fast-track this engagement so we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024?”
He commended the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG in funding the project.
The minister, however, threatened to revoke the 15km East-West Road (from Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) from RCC for their inordinate delay on the project despite receiving mobilization for the job
He warned 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 N40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometre has been completed. And let me clarify 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 decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed an intention to source funds to maintain the road for the time being, which will be pending when the company remobilises to the site.
“So we have to see where we can search for funds and get any contractor around here to maintain the road. We need to maintain the road. We need to pity the people. It’s unacceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job,” he said.
Other projects inspected by the Minister include the dualisation of East-West road section II (sub-section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States), which is being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations along the dualisation of East-West road (section II) Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States, which is being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.
The deputy Senate chief whip of the Senate and Senator representing Ebonyi North Senatorial District. Sen. Barr. Onyekachi Peter Nwaebonyi, who was part of the inspection visit and the spokesperson to the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee, Professor Jasper Jumbo, thanked the President Nigeria for the great difference his administration has brought in Nigeria’s road infrastructure trajectory.
They appreciated the minister’s exceptional passion and professionalism in handling the Ministry of Works mandate.
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. I believe that with this constant supervision, the contractors will live up to expectations and deliver the job in record time.”
For his part, Professor Jasper Jumbo said, “And I must commend your patriotism. I must commend your professionalism. One thing that this administration has shown us is that we enlisted people of credibility and integrity. I commend Mr President for bringing such a minister committed to giving Nigeria the best. This is the practical aspect of Renewed Hope.”
Dienye Godson, NLNG representative and manager of government relations, thanked the president and his team for their determination to complete the project.
“I must commend the honourable minister for all the efforts he has put in. He has spent several weeks and has been very patient. And that has led us to where we are today. So, as a company, we are happy. So, at this stage now, we’ll go back and go through our internal processes to ensure that we provide as much support as possible to the government.”
In his assurances on behalf of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project manager stated, “We will not lean back. We’ll continue and expedite the re-mobilisation of this project to ensure our full commitment. And as you rightly have said, honourable minister, we operate as partners in progress.”
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