…bans motorcycle, tricycle, truck operation
…to introduce tow upon completion
PORT HARCOURT: The Federal Government has temporarily opened the 37.9km Bodo/Bonny Road in Rivers State, promising that the project would be completed in March, 2026.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, who opened the road for use on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Monday, said the road was opened to ease the sufferings and stress of the people traveling through the River to Bonny.
Umahi said the facility would improve the economic value of the people of Bodo, Bonny, Rivers State and Nigerians in general, he reststed the federal government’s commitment in transforming the Niger Delta region.
Umahi, however, announced a ban on motorcycles, tricycles and heavy duty trucks on the road.
He said: “We are so enthused and we thank God very highly for today. On his own, the President said to me, I want to see a different festive mood within the Bodo and the kingdom of Bonny.
“We have been directed to come here with the National Assembly members and, of course, Rivers State Government and the good people of Bodo and Bonny to temporarily open this route for the good use of Nigerians.
“The permanent opening/official commissioning of this landmark project is going to be done by Mr. President himself. But today we are temporarily opening the road for the convenience of the people, for the safety of the people, for the economic values of the people and the Nigeria in general.
“We are opening the route with the conditions. First, it will be in operation on daily basis and never to close again from 7am to 7pm. There will be no night journey on the route.
“Secondly, we don’t want big vehicles and heavy trucks on the road so we don’t have problem that could led to heavy traffic on the route. Also, no okada and no keke will be allowed on this route for now. I would like our people to escalate this thing through social media and television and newspapers.”
He lauded the contractor, Julius Berger, and its management for doing a good job and for their commitment in ensuring that the project is delivered in record time.
“I have big commendation to Julius Berger especially engineer Timi. Julius Berger has done very, very beautiful work,’ he said.
Umahi further disclosed that the federal government would introduce tow gates to the road when completed, adding that it would help for the security and proper maintenance of the road.
He said: “We need to tow this road for proper maintenance. To build a road is not a problem, but it is to maintain it. And the present kind of road architecture is totally different. When we are towing the road, we will tow it in two points. So, we are putting it forward for those who can, you know, bid for it and maintain.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, described the construction and opening of the Bodo/Bonny Road as historic and a dream come true.
Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, expressed heartfelt appreciation of Rivers people to President Tinubu and the federal government for the project which he described as laudable.
He pledged continues support of the Rivers State Government and the people of Rivers State to the president and the federal government.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, represented the Project Manager, Tim Nippert thanked the Federal Government for the trust on them, and expressed commitment to ensure the project is completed and delivered on scheduled date.
He said: “The Bodo Bonny Road Project is a landmark federal infrastructure development designed to provide a permanent and reliable land connection between Bodo Town on the mainland and Bonny Island in Rivers State. The road when completed, will serve as the arterial link to Bonny Island where the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited and other oil companies carry out their major operations.”
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