The Igbos for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for breaking the jinx of constructing the second Niger Bridge. IPAN said President Buhari has translated the much-touted project into visible a construction work.
National President of the group, Comrade Lawrence Onuzulike, who gave the commendation, regretted that past presidents had politicized the second Niger Bridge project, as against Buhari, who has matched his words with action. Comrade Onuzulike, who led a delegation of IPAN to visit the project site, expressed satisfaction with the pace of work going on at the bridge, observing that the contractor would meet with the projected date of completion. “I was surprised by the magnitude of the project. Contrary to speculations, four bridges and not one bridge are being constructed.
The major bridge across the River Niger and three secondary bridges, plus long stretches of roads that go deep into both Delta and Anambra States. “We observed that the project is currently employing over 1,500 workers directly, and 10,000 of other workers indirectly. “The majority of the subcontractors and suppliers are from Anambra State and the majority of the materials are sourced locally from Anambra communities. We gathered that every single property owner affected by the project was adequately compensated. “From investigations, we learnt that the project would have been ready if not for the COVID-19 pandemic and protests that rocked the nation, but it will still meet the projection of 2022.
“The bridge is another achievement of the President in the South- East, as it will decongest traffic and aid commercial activities. It will also be an added advantage for Anambra State, especially when the international cargo and passengers airport commences operations. “By doing so, once you land at the airport, you don’t need to go through the Bridge Head if you don’t have any business plying through there.