Olaseinde Gbenga, Abuja
The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, stated this at the presentation of President, Muhammadu Buhari’s scorecard on Wednesday, in Abuja.
The Minister disclosed the limitation hindering the commissioning of the road is the four-kilometer Link road on the Asaba side which has been impeded by surge of flood.
In his word, “Our dredger is in order and I can confirm that the second Niger bridge itself is finished. We have to rebuild the road by reclaiming sand, the recent surge of flood has hindered us. People can walk through the bridge now unimpeded.
“He said, On the Onitsha side, there is a 7kilometer road that links the bridge and the Onitsha-Owerri interchange.”
The Second Niger Bridge is a key national infrastructure, with immense socio-economic benefits for the contiguous states and indeed the entire nation.
According to the minister, the bridge after it becomes accessible, will ease traffic flow, improve road safety, and create greater opportunities for local residents by advancing the commercial viability of the immediate area and regenerating economic life.
The scope of works includes the construction of a 1.6 km long bridge, a 10.3 km Highway, Owerri interchange, and a toll station.