By Ikenna Aniagboso
Anambra state government has hired construction giant, Julius Berger Nig Ltd, to fix the pedestrian bridge located at MCC junction, Onitsha-Enugu expressway, Onitsha.
The need to find a lasting solution to the dislodged bridge and guarantee the safety of pedestrians who use it daily, was the driving force behind the hiring of a construction company of international repute such as Julius Berger, to ensure the delivery of a top quality job.
This is reflective of Gov Willie Obiano’s passion for the safety of Ndi Anambra and the resolve of his administration to go the extra mile to proactively arrest any situation that may jeopardize their safety and security.
During an inspection visit to the site, Tuesday, October 22, 2019, Gov Obiano expressed concern over the danger which pedestrians had been subjected to while using the bridge. He urged the contractor to ensure that the bridge is properly rehabilitated and tested before it is reopened for public use.
Government’s attention was drawn to the bridge some weeks ago when it was nearly dislodged by a hit and run truck driver. Soon after, a team of government officials led by the Anambra state commissioner for works, Mr Marcel Ifejiofor, a certified civil engineer, visited the site to assess the extent of the damage.
Following the assessment report, Anambra state government hired Julius Berger Construction Ltd to rehabilitate the bridge.
In a similar move, Gov Obiano inspected ongoing works at the international conference center, Awka. The governor expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work going on at the site.
He commended the contractor and urged him to ensure that the target date for completion of the project is met. The governor stressed that quality should not be compromised.
Gov Obiano reiterated his commitment to infrastructural development in the state. He said that the conference center, when completed, will be the first of it’s kind in south-eastern Nigeria. He also confirmed that the centre will attract huge social and economic benefits to Anambra state.
Gov Obiano reaffirmed that his administration is passionate about rehabilitating roads in the state and constructing new ones. He said that contractors have been mobilized and instructed to return to site, to complete all road projects which were stopped during the rainy season.
The governor assured Ndi Anambra that all roads will receive urgent and quality attention before Christmas. He urged Ndi Anambra to remain peaceful and law abiding, while government works diligently for their continued safety and security.