By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
THE SENATE Committee on Works has called for accelerated progress on the long-awaited Bodo-Bonny Road, urging contractor Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to ramp up efforts and meet the December completion deadline.
During a weekend oversight visit to the 35.7-kilometre infrastructure project in Rivers State, committee members led by Senator Barinada Mpigi inspected construction milestones and acknowledged the scale of work already achieved.
The delegation, however, pressed for faster execution to match federal funding commitments.
“We are happy with the progress, but we expect more from Julius Berger, a company we have come to know as a giant in the construction industry,” said Senator Mpigi, reaffirming the Federal Government’s full financial support. “Now it is time for delivery.”
The Bodo-Bonny Road, under construction since 2014, has faced repeated delays due to complex environmental conditions. The route cuts across swampy terrain and tidal zones, making engineering work especially challenging.
Despite this, five kilometres have now been asphalted, with key bridges linking the mainland to Bonny Island already completed.
The committee mandated Julius Berger to intensify asphalting and infrastructure finishing works in time for a September progress review.
“This is not a one-time visit,” Mpigi added. “We will continue to monitor every stage of this project until it is delivered.”
Senator Patrick Ndubueze echoed these concerns, highlighting regional differences in terrain that complicate construction. “This is not the same as working in the South-East,” he remarked.
Accompanying the legislators on-site, Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, assured the team that the project could meet the end-of-year target, provided financing remains consistent.
He explained that low-lying, marshy land and tidal interference had required extended periods for the soil to stabilise before laying asphalt.
Lubasch confirmed that the road is already accessible for vehicular movement, and major structures—including three key bridges—are operational.
The Bodo-Bonny Road includes 13 bridges: three major spans, nine mini bridges, and one crossing over a pipeline.
These connect four local government areas in Rivers State and form the first-ever road link to Bonny Island.
Initiated under a tripartite agreement between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) company, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the project features significant bridgeworks, including the Afa Creek Bridge (530m), Nanabie Creek Bridge (640m), and a 750-metre river bridge over the Opobo Channel.
Once completed, the Bodo-Bonny Road is expected to transform the region by easing transport, expanding economic access, and bolstering critical oil and gas infrastructure connections on Bonny Island.
