The long-awaited Bodo-Bonny road project, one of the most significant infrastructure developments in Rivers State, has faced further delays due to unresolved contractual differences, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has revealed. The project, which was awarded to Julius Berger in 2014, was supposed to be completed by December 2023 but is still far from finished.
The road, which will be the first to connect Bonny Island to the rest of Rivers State by land, is a vital project for both the local economy and the state’s infrastructure. The completion of the road would open up Bonny Island, a key oil-producing area, and ease transportation for residents and businesses.
However, according to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, negotiations between the company and the federal government regarding the project have been strained, resulting in delays. The company stated that the Bodo-Bonny road would have been completed sooner if not for these contractual differences.
The Bitter Negotiations: A $199 Billion Agreement with No End in Sight
The Bodo-Bonny road project was originally valued at N199.923 billion, with the expectation that it would be completed by the end of 2023. However, disagreements over the cost of the project have led to prolonged delays. The Nigerian government and Julius Berger have been negotiating over the terms of the project, particularly in regard to a N28 billion variation that the company requested to cover rising costs.
In April 2024, the Minister of Works, David Umahi, rejected the company’s variation demand, offering instead a N20 billion variation. This disagreement set the stage for further delays, with the government issuing an ultimatum to the contractor: either accept the new terms or face further consequences.
“I cannot accept this,” said Minister Umahi, referring to the N28 billion demand. “If Julius Berger doesn’t accept our terms and resume work, we will reactivate the expired 14-day ultimatum.” The pressure has been mounting on the company to meet the government’s expectations.
The Final Push: Julius Berger Commits to Completion
Despite the contractual issues, Julius Berger has assured the public that it remains committed to completing the project. The company has made significant progress in recent months, with workers seen finalizing concrete pavements on both sides of the main road leading into Bonny Island.
Emmanuel Isibor, Manager of Media Relations for Julius Berger, explained in a statement that the company is using state-of-the-art concrete technology and specialized equipment to finish the road. The company is employing international equipment from Wirtgen, Germany, including mobile concrete batching plants, mixers, and pavers, to ensure the road is built to the highest standards.
“We are building about 5.50 kilometers of concrete roads with pavements on the island,” said Tim Nippert, Project Manager for Julius Berger. “This is part of an innovative approach to modern-day construction, and we are very pleased with the progress we are seeing on-site.”
Challenges on the Ground: Extreme Soil Conditions
The road project has faced its fair share of challenges. The soil conditions on the main Bodo-Bonny road are particularly difficult, and engineers expect long-term settlements of up to 30 centimeters over the next 30 years. These challenging conditions have necessitated the use of advanced concrete construction techniques, especially for the island roads.
“Due to the extremely challenging soil conditions on the main Bodo-Bonny Road, the contract did not initially include concrete construction except for the island roads,” Nippert explained. “But now, we are taking an innovative approach to ensure that the roads are durable for the long term.”
Community Support for Julius Berger’s Efforts
Despite the setbacks, local leaders have expressed support for the work Julius Berger is doing. Chief O. R. Longjohn, the Chairman of the Bodo-Bonny Road Project Peace Committee, praised the company for its efforts in the face of adversity.
“Julius Berger is doing great on this road,” Longjohn said. “Despite the delays, we can see that the company is committed to finishing the project, and the community appreciates their hard work.”
The Bodo-Bonny road is more than just a transportation route; it is a lifeline for the people of Bonny Island and the surrounding areas. Once completed, the road will improve access to essential services, create new business opportunities, and enhance the economic prospects of the entire region.
What Lies Ahead: An End in Sight?
The Bodo-Bonny road project is a crucial part of the Nigerian government’s infrastructure development plans. The completion of the road will significantly improve connectivity between Bonny Island and the mainland, benefiting both residents and businesses.
However, the delays caused by contractual disputes have raised concerns about whether the government and Julius Berger will be able to work together to bring the project to a successful conclusion. The company has been given a new deadline of December 2024 to finish the remaining work, and government officials are closely monitoring progress.
Minister Umahi has made it clear that the government is committed to ensuring the project is completed on time. “We cannot afford any more delays,” he said in a recent statement. “We have given Julius Berger until the end of this year to finish the job. We are confident they will meet this new deadline.”
