In a move aimed at easing transportation during the festive season, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the temporary opening of the long-awaited Bodo-Bonny Road. The President, represented by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, presided over the symbolic opening on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
A Festive Gift for the Communities
The President's directive was specifically to create a different festive mood for the people of Bodo and the Kingdom of Bonny. Minister Umahi explained that he was instructed to travel with National Assembly members, state government officials, and community representatives to facilitate the temporary opening for public use. This interim measure is intended to provide relief and convenience to residents along the route who have endured years of difficult travel.
Conditions for Temporary Use
While the road is now accessible, the Minister outlined strict conditions for its use pending final completion. The road will be operational on a daily basis from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. only, with no night journeys permitted. Furthermore, heavy traffic is prohibited for now.
"There will be no heavy traffic on the road. The reason is that until we remove all the concrete obstacles, there will be no opportunity for big vehicles," Umahi stated. This is to prevent breakdowns on sections still under construction. The minister also tasked Julius Berger with mounting roadblocks to enforce these restrictions.
Additionally, commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) are not allowed on the route for the time being.
High Praise for Julius Berger
President Tinubu, through his representative, commended Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for the extent and quality of work done on the 35.7km project. He expressed confidence that upon final completion, Nigerians would be proud and feel safer using the "legacy road."
Minister Umahi gave special commendation to the current project team, led by Project Manager Engineer Tim Nippert and the Managing Director, Peer. "Julius Berger, you have done very, very beautiful work. They are very amenable to instructions, to discussions, to dialogue, and to details," Umahi said. He suggested that with its current leadership, the company could relaunch its standing in the construction industry.
The Minister also issued a new task to the contractor: to plant two sets of trees at 10-meter intervals on both sides of the road and install solar-powered lights at 30-meter intervals before the project's final handover.
The Road to Completion
The project, which has faced significant delays and challenges, is now nearing fruition. The Minister confirmed that the permanent opening and official commissioning would be performed by President Tinubu himself in the coming year. "I know that the Niger Delta people are expecting the President next year, and he is going to come to commission this road for the convenience of the people, the safety of the people, the economic values of the people and Nigeria in general," Umahi announced.
Project Manager Tim Nippert acknowledged the long journey of the road's construction, thanking the Ministry of Works and the host communities for their cooperation, which he said was instrumental in reaching this milestone.
The event was attended by well-wishers, National Assembly members, traditional rulers from the project communities, and representatives of the Rivers State Government, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG). All present praised the federal and state governments for the project and lauded Julius Berger for its commitment to the task.
