President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will commission the 1.2-kilometre Kaa-Ataba Bridge linking Khana and Andoni Local Government Areas of Rivers State in November.
Minister of Regional Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, disclosed this on Thursday during an inspection of the bridge.
Momoh, who was accompanied by the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, and other top officials of the Commission, described the bridge as the longest in the Niger Delta.
He said the project demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to developing the region.
“The NDDC has done very well and I have good news to transmit to Mr President. I am hopeful that Mr President will commission the project in November,” Momoh said.
“The President is committed to the completion of legacy projects like this, and I am glad that it is being executed by an indigenous contractor.”
The minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, adding that it reflects the administration’s desire to transform the Niger Delta.
In his remarks, Ogbuku said the Commission is committed to the presidential mandate to change the narrative in the oil-producing region.
He blamed adverse weather for delay in delivery of construction materials, but assured that the project would be inaugurated this year.
Executive Director, Projects, Dr. Victor Antai, said the project comprises two bridges.
“The first bridge has 57 piers, while the second bridge, which is 250 metres, has 15 piers,” Antai said.
He said the contractor is working to deliver the project in the next one month.
Managing Director of the contracting firm, Engr. Christian Emeozor, said work has reached 95 per cent completion.
Emeozor attributed previous delays to adverse weather, but promised timely delivery. “We are committed to delivering on speed and quality,” he said.
Second-in-command to the Paramount Ruler of Ataba Kingdom, Chief Idan-Owaji Erasmus, commended the NDDC for the project, saying it would boost socio-economic activities in the area.
He assured that the people would cooperate with the contractor to ensure timely completion.
The NDDC team also inspected the ongoing 3.75km Okrika-Borikiri Road with three bridges linking Okrika and Port Harcourt LGAs.
Ogbuku expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of work and warned the contractor to accelerate work or face sanctions.
