Construction of 2nd Niger Bridge in progress – Maku

“If you travel to Asaba today, you will see the new road and the massive deployment of equipment to site.”

The Information Minister, Labaran Maku, on Wednesday said construction work on the second Niger Bridge was ongoing.

Mr. Maku stated this while briefing journalists at the end of the weekly meeting of the Executive Council of the Federation, FEC.

He said the Minister of Works, Mike Onolememen, briefed the FEC on the progress work on the bridge. He also said the temporary road at the Asaba end and other early works are now at an advanced stage.

In his speech, Mr. Onolememen told journalists that work is progressing according to specification with the environmental impact assessment being finalised.

“If you travel to Asaba today, you will see the new road and the massive deployment of equipment to site with the Julius Berger working to ensure that work is delivered on time as scheduled” the works minister said.

Also, the Water Resources Minister, Sarah Ochekpe, while briefing journalists, stated that the Kashim Billa Dam was at the completion stage.

The dam became necessary following warning by the United Nations on the danger of the over flooding of the Lagdo Dam built by the Cameroonian government.

She disclosed that the project had 2000 hectares of arable land, with an airstrip for evacuation in the event of an emergency.

She also disclosed that the downstream bridge, intake and outlet works, and civil works have been completed, while the hydro section, including the turbines and electro transmission section, are in progress.

She said the airstrip is being put in place with a 1300 meters runway; and the terminal building has been completed and certification received from relevant aviation agencies. She also said the airstrip has been test run.

Speaking on the economic benefits of the project, Ms. Ochekpe said 34,800 people will get jobs in the area, while those with business in fisheries and power supply will benefit.

The Kashim Billa dam in Taraba will serve as a buffer to check overflow of water from the Cameroonian dam.

At the briefing, Mr. Maku also said Council reviewed the last World Economic Forum on Africa, WEFA, which it described as one of the best organized in the history of such meetings.