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Unveiling the Second Niger Bridge Raises Concerns Amidst Celebration
2nd Niger Bridge at Night
In a seemingly triumphant moment, the Federal Government officially took delivery of the long-awaited Second Niger Bridge from the contractor, Julius Berger. This development, coming more than six months after its inauguration on May 23 under the previous administration, raises both commendation and questions regarding the project’s completion.
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, expressed satisfaction with the work done during a tour of the bridge on Sunday, guided by Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Dr Lars Richter. Umahi commended both the past and present administrations for their dedication to finishing the project. However, underlying concerns were exposed as the minister acknowledged some issues, particularly with lighting, and proposed the deployment of solar solutions to reduce reliance on diesel.
Umahi outlined plans for the completion of the roads, emphasizing the construction of two interchanges to ease traffic flow—one diverting from Asaba town and the other facilitated by Reynolds Construction Company Ltd, avoiding Onitsha town and leading directly to Obosi.
2nd Niger Bridge
The minister attributed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the success of the project and hinted at future expansions, envisioning service stations, filling stations, restaurants, supermarkets, and other facilities akin to those in the Western world.
However, amidst the celebratory tone, questions linger about the necessity of the handover event. The Managing Director of Julius Berger, Richter, characterized the occasion as a “technical handover” after the project’s inauguration by former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. This designation raises eyebrows, prompting inquiries into the intricacies of the handover and the lingering aspects that may not have been thoroughly addressed.
SKJ