FEC Approves Additional N79.3bn For Bodo-Bonny Road

The Federal Executive Council has approved the sum of N79.3billion as variation for the successful completion of the all-important Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
The approval comes about 19 years after the initial contract was awarded in 2002 by the President Olusegun Obasanjo administration, and barely two years after the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government kick-started the construction work.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN, said this at the end of the council meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, last Wednesday.
The minister said that he presented three memos to the council, with two on approvals and one as a report on the meeting of the National Council on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, held in Jos, Plateau.
Fashola said that one of the memos included a request for variation of the contract value for the Bodo-Bonny Road in Rivers State.
He said, “Then there was also the contract for the Bodo Bonny road and bridge. That contract was previously awarded at N120.6billion.
“We sought approval from council to augment it by N79.305billion, bringing it to a total sum of N199billion. N199.923billion is now the total revised contract sum and council approved.
“Major highlight of the augmentation was to revise the prices, which were based on 2002 prices when it was awarded, and also to change some of the scope of works and design. Instead of approach roads, we’re constructing more approach bridges.”
“There were also provisions for additional mini bridges. There were also provisional bridges over pipelines that were discovered, instead of relocating the pipelines, which was meant to cause much more money,” he added.
Meanwhile, the contractor handling the road project, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has confirmed that it has completed some major milestones as part of the construction of the Bodo-Bonny Road, and was already delivering positive results for communities in the Niger Delta.
In a statement, It said, “The company has successfully completed works on the 4.9km Bodo Road leading to the Afa Creek Bridge, which has also been completed.
“Achievement of these two major scope components highlights Julius Berger’s commitment towards the timely commissioning of the first road to connect Bonny Island to the mainland.
“With the completion of the Bodo Road, Julius Berger has delivered a world-class road infrastructure with necessary drainage systems and stone pitched shoulders to ensure a long-lasting and high-performance infrastructure.
“The road has transformed the local infrastructure network, enabling progress by providing neighbouring communities’ much-needed, reliable access to Bodo Town, improving social and economic connectivity and commercial opportunities.
“In line with its planning, the company has commenced works on nine mini bridges as part of the on-going construction of monumental project, with construction of major bridges in Okpobo and Nanabie in view.
“Despite the challenging terrain and environmental factors related to the project location, including low lying marshy land with tidal movements, Julius Berger continues to reliably deliver leading solutions, leveraging on its technical capabilities,” the company added.