The construction giant, Julius Berger PLC has assured the Nigerian government that they are committed to using of highest international quality material and timely deliverance of the second Niger Bridge despite some hitches they face in the process of the work. This is coming as President Buhari has applauded the company for its progress of work being progressively achieved so far saying “the project is on course irrespective of initial teething problems that occasioned some loss of time.”
This statement was made in Asaba, the capital of Delta state by the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, SAN on behalf of President Buhari during the inspection/town hall meeting on the project saying the year 2022 s still the delivery time frame for the project.
Buhari has made his position known that the timeliness has to remain sacrosanct just as governor Okawa of Delta state and his Enugu State counterpart applauded the speed at which the company is doing the work.
The Company while speaking the Minister position said, “2022 remains the project delivery date. That is the Federal Government’s commitment to the N414billion Bridge investment by the government. Of this amount, Roads 2a and 2b alone is costing the government N208billion.”
The Minister disclosed details of what the contractors require and its impact on the general economic activities it stimulates as; “The contractor needs about 4million cubic meters of sand, a lot of supplies of cement, 19 million liters of diesel including local labor to deliver the project,” adding that all of that is already spinning off multiplier economic and commercial activities within the host communities and states.
However, on compensation to communities that fall within the construction site, the Minister said the state government is in the best position to liaise on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to iron it out.
In his remarks, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Lars Ritchter said; “We at Julius Berger have a proven track record of successfully completing work on time, no matter the challenge. We continue to set standards for technological leadership in the construction sector and seek to pioneer state-of-the-art construction methods and technologies, as we have in the Second Niger Bridge, to ensure that value-driven innovations are prioritized for the benefit of our clients and the country at large. Our reliability and quality of works continue to stand the test of time. I am confident and without doubt, that with the strong commitment of all stakeholders and the support of our host communities, Julius Berger will unfailingly deliver on the project requirements on time and up to the highest standards; up to Julius Berger standards”
Meanwhile, Governor Obiano applauded both the government and the company for maintaining their presence at work going despite the COVID-19 pandemic that almost sent every work to a standstill around the world.
The governor, therefore, solicited the company as a matter of its corporate social responsibility to have a proper liaison with its host communities and settle out their differences hitch-free.
In his appreciation remark, the Delta state Governor who was represented by his Secretary to State Government, Dr. Chinedu Ebie thanked President Buhari for bringing such a gigantic project to the southeast and are looking forward to its successful completion.
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