As work commences at the second bridge to cross the River Niger at Onitsha in Anambra State, residents and natives of the commercial town have pledged to protect the staff of Julius Berger Construction Company, handling the project.
Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, who spoke on behalf of the community described the second Niger Bridge as, “our dream and passion” that would only be actualised through proper handling, adding that the people of the community were eager to see the take-off and completion of the project.
Addressing a team of Julius Berger officials led by the Managing Director, Mr. Detlev Lubasch, who paid him a courtesy call in his palace in Onitsha, Igwe Achebe described the project as critical to the country. He said the community would support the project to make sure it is delivered on time and according to specification, adding: “We are on ground, we will do our best to ensure reasonable approach and reasonable cooperation.”
Igwe Achebe reminded the company that since the administration of the former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, the company had been assured of security of their staff and site, adding:
Public Affairs Advisor of the company, Mr. Clement Ilobi, said the visit was a normal community relations visit to enlist the people’s support and friendship in the project.
Under a Private-Public Partnership agreement, the construction will take N117 billion.
