The Federal Government has approved N280 billion to Julius Berger PLC for the completion of the Bodo-Bonny road project and mandated the firm to deliver the project on time.

Minister of Works, David Umahi, revealed this during an inspection visit to the project site, saying the contractor must work round the clock to meet the timeline of December 2024.

Umahi also stated the road will end the perennial transportation challenges in Bodo-Bonny, South-South region of Nigeria, and enhance the socio-economic prospects of the two communities of Rivers State.

He expressed reservation over the Bodo-Bonny project administration by the contractor, insisting that the amount of money paid was needed for the project to be completed.

He, therefore, enjoined the contractor to ensure that no further excuses were given on the project delivery timeline as the Federal Government would not approve any additional funds for the project.

“And in case the devil comes to play, whatever happens, we are not increasing this project cost. It’s a package, and it’s called a lump sum completion package to 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.”

The Work Minister further added, “We will be asking Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, whether is there anything that the Minister of Works and NLNG will do to fast-track this engagement so that we can arrive at the destination by the 15th of December 2024.”

He commended President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the completion of the road project and praised the perseverance of the Bodo-Bonny Peace Committee and the cooperation and uprightness of NLNG funding the project.

Similarly, Umahi expressed dismay over the attitude of RCC handing 15km East-West Road (From Port Harcourt Eleme Junction to Onne Port Junction) 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) on the project.

“We are very sad with the manners and behaviours of this contractor, RCC, adding that the government has paid over 40 billion on this project, and not even one kilometer has been completed.”

The Minister decried the sufferings of the road users and expressed intention to source funds to maintain the project for the time being pending when the company remobilizes 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 not acceptable what our people are passing through for an excuse from RCC that they are importing machines for the job.”

Other projects inspected by the Minister included the dualization of East-West road section II (sub section II) (Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States) being handled by Setraco Nigeria Ltd and the construction of multiple box culverts at flood-damaged locations along the dualization of East-West road (section II) and Ahoada-Kaiama in Rivers/Bayelsa States being handled by Messrs. Rock Result Nigeria Ltd.