By Ifeanyi Olannye
President Bola Tinubu has flagged off the construction work on the 17.6 kilometres access road to the Second Niger Bridge (Phase 2), connecting the South-South and South-Eastern regions.
The President, who performed the function at Oko, Oshimili South Local Government Area of Delta, said the access road would transverse Issele -Azagba, Okpanam, Ibusa, Asaba, Okwe and Oko-Amakun all in Delta before linking the Second Niger Bridge to Anambra.
Represented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Tinubu said the ceremony marked another milestone in his administration’s effort to build an enduring infrastructure in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to bring development to all parts of the country.
He said that the project was a response to the challenges of all road users, adding that the Federal Government under his administration was committed to alleviating the traffic burden on the Asaba-Benin Road, which currently experienced significant congestion, mostly in the peak hours and festive periods.
He lauded the governors of Delta and Anambra states for their commitments and efforts but urged them to work out modalities for paying compensation to affected property owners to ensure the timely completion of the project.
According to Tinubu, the project’s primary objectives are to reduce traffic congestion, enhance trade and economic activities, and improve transportation efficiency.
“The expected benefits include economic growth and increased commercial activities, enhanced regional connectivity and socioeconomic integration, jobs creation and employment opportunities and increased investment and economic development.
“This bridge is a landmark infrastructural project because of its significance in linking Asaba-Benin Expressway and Anambra and Enugu Expressway. I want to commend the governments of Delta and Anambra states for their cooperation and support.
“This kind of partnership and synergy are imperative for trust, good governance, national cohesion and sustainable development. Let me use this opportunity to appeal to motorists to exercise calm and patience and cooperate with the contractor during this construction process,” Tinubu said.
The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, said President Tinubu’s administration was committed to the infrastructural development of the entire country.
He disclosed that the access road to the Second Niger Bridge from the Anambra axis would be flagged off on Tuesday, adding that the projects are expected to be completed within a specific timeframe and urged the contractors to keep to their contractual obligation.
Umahi said that the security on the Second Niger Bridge has been guaranteed, adding that the area has been connected to a CCTV circuit system that could be monitored from both Delta and Anambra states Government Houses.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that traditional rulers of the benefiting communities, Asaba, Oko-Amakun, Okwe, Ibusa, Okpanam, and Issele-Azagba, were on the ground to pledge their support and commitment to ensuring the timely completion of the project.
The Asagba of Asaba, Obi Epiphany Azinge and the other monarchs appreciated President Tinubu for the landmark project, which they said would improve the economic activities of the communities, save travelling hours and hitch-free transportation along the axis.
On his part, Mr Eric Xhen, Engineer in charge of CCECC Limited, South-South, the construction firm handling the project in Delta, promised to complete the project in record time.
The high point of the ceremony was the unveiling and formal flag-off of the project by President Bola Tinubu.
