Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, last week confronted torrential rainfalls amidst construction works on its Bodo-Bonny Road project site. Despite the challenge posed by the rains which affected aspects of the work, the company remained undaunted as its workforce pranced on with determination and grit hitting milestone progress along the 35.7km road as work steadily goes on in the stretch of Bodo-Bonny Road.
The project manager, Tim Nippert, who spoke at the project site between Nanabie bridge and Bonny Island, said the company and its dedicated staff are working with grit and determination, saying; “It is all about our ability to persevere and our passion to deliver on our set goals. With that we can manage challenges as they come up”.
Nippert said that already, 80% of the project has been completed alongside all the bridges which he added, are all substantially completed with only pavement joints pending. This was as he also said that binder Installation is up to 70% completed in terms of asphalting, stressing that the ceaseless rain in the area remains a big challenge to the company’s work.
According to the Project Manager; “An extraordinary rainfall in this month of July is not allowing installation of base course. However, we are determined to deliver the project on schedule as the 5.2 km of concrete pavement within Bonny Town is completed, stone pitching is ongoing, while an additional 5km approaching asphalt road is completed to 80% with asphalt binder, awaiting only wearing course and slope protection for completion”.
Asked when the road will be ready for public use, Nippert said, the Bodo-Bonny Road is for Julius Berger Nigeria construction use only, for now, except in very important cases; and that its release for public traffic will only be possible after completion.
Also speaking, the Security Coordinator at the site, Abraham Ikhenoba, said the ongoing rain in the area is not stopping the workers from giving their best, adding that even with the challenging terrains, every hand is on deck.
He said; “It is in the character of the construction company for which we have been known”.
The Bodo-Bonny Road was temporarily opened to commuters during the diamond jubilee celebration of the Amanyanabo of Bonny Kingdom early June 2025, but the opening and controlled access was eventually closed to traffic after the celebration, effective June 15, 2025.
Commenting on the development then, the Secretary of the King Perekule Palace, Amaopusenibo Festus Pepple said; “the idea of opening the road was to facilitate easy access for friends and well-wishers of the monarch and Bonny Kingdom to share in the joy of the celebration but we are done with that now.
He said; “So, effective Sunday, June 15, 2025, the road will be closed back for construction work to resume so that the company, Julius Berger can meet up with agreed timelines for the road project”.
