The Federal Government has revised the contract cost for the ongoing Bodo-Bonny Road Project in Rivers State from N199 billion to N280 billion.
This was announced by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during an inspection tour of road projects in the state.
Minister Umahi explained that the Federal Ministry of Works is prioritizing and harmonizing projects based on available funds and the need for completion.
The new target date for the completion and commissioning of the Bodo-Bonny Road is set for December 15, 2024. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that the payments made to contractors correspond with the progress of the projects.
“We are ensuring that the amount paid to contractors reflects the work completed. Contractors should not be holding onto our money without delivering results,” Umahi stated.
Umahi acknowledged that the current administration inherited over 2,600 uncompleted road projects, and these will be executed based on fairness and equity across various geopolitical zones due to limited funds.
He mentioned that the ministry is committed to making timely payments to contractors like Julius Berger to ensure the Bodo-Bonny Road Project is completed on time.
“We have had some challenges with Julius Berger, but we have now agreed on the revised cost. The project cost has been finalized at N280 billion,” he added.
Regarding other projects, Umahi criticized Reynolds Construction Company (RCC) for abandoning the Akpajo/Eleme section of the East-West Road.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the contractor’s performance, citing poor work quality and delays.
“The entire road is in a terrible state. The contractor must be warned because the restiveness of the local communities could become a significant issue,” Umahi warned.
The minister assured that the ministry is addressing all sections of the East-West Road, with plans to construct flood-prone areas using concrete pavements.
He stated the importance of raising the road height by one meter in the Mbiama section to avoid flooding.
Umahi stressed the necessity of proper monitoring to ensure the success of road projects. “The only way we can achieve success is through proper monitoring. We are prioritizing projects based on available funds and ensuring fairness across zones and states.”
