Minister Umahi: Redesigned Second Niger Bridge Saves Nigeria N300 Billion

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has announced significant cost savings for Nigeria due to the redesigned plan for the Onitsha axis of the second Niger bridge. During an inspection tour of the bypass to the bridge down to Onitsha in Asaba, Delta, Mr. Umahi revealed that the new design had saved the nation up to N300 billion.

According to a statement issued by Orji Orji, the minister’s special adviser on media, the decision to change the design was based on the discovery of defects in the original plan. Mr. Orji explained that the redesign resulted in substantial cost savings for the country.

The minister also visited several other projects, including the upgrading of a 15-kilometre section of the East-West Road Section III, Port Harcourt-Eleme Junction to Onne Junction in Rivers State, which is being handled by RCC. Additionally, he inspected the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway section 3 under rehabilitation, the Enugu-Lokpanta road being handled by CGC, and the rehabilitation work at the collapsed bridge site at the New Artisan Bridge near Enugu State.

Mr. Umahi expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects and urged contractors to accelerate their work to achieve significant milestones before the onset of the rainy season.

The minister revealed that the federal government is upgrading the 15-kilometre road between Eleme Flyover and Onne Junction, starting with excavation to stabilize all the failed sections. He emphasized the government’s commitment to building durable road infrastructure at the lowest possible cost and urged contractors to prioritize the convenience of road users in their work plans, particularly during the rainy season.

Peoples Gazette