President Goodluck Jonathan has commended the people of the South-East and South-South zones for their patience over delays in the construction of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
“My sincere promise during my campaign is today made a reality to the good people of the South-East and South-South”, Jonathan said before performing the groundbreaking of the bridge.
The president performed the ceremony in Atani, near Onitsha, Anambra on Monday.
The dual carriageway bridge, designed to be 1,590m long, is scheduled to be completed in four years by Messrs Julius Berger Construction Company.
Jonathan said the Federal Government was building two important bridges across the two great Rivers in the country – Niger and Benue –for the benefit of Nigerians.
“The construction of the second bridge across River Benue is going on smoothly and this one would follow suit immediately from now.
“This bridge, when completed, would alleviate the movement difficulties of our people and improve commerce and trade of our people, especially congestion witnessed during festive seasons.
“It will not only serve the people of these areas but all Nigerians and the West African sub-region”.
Jonathan added that “the bridge would be key to the economic development of the South-East and South-South zones”.
He said the Federal Government had committed 25 per cent of the total cost of the bridge and that other funding for the project would come in due course.
Jonathan urged the governors of Anambra and Delta through which the bridge would pass, to provide a favourable environment for the construction to ensure its timely completion.
“This bridge and the National Conference, which would be inaugurated by next week, Monday, in Abuja, are two vital components of our national cohesion and unity”, he said. (NAN)