• Julius Berger commits to rejigging infrastructure in Rivers
The Senate Committee on Works, led by its Chairman, Senator Barinada Mpigi, has conducted an oversight visit to the Bodo-Bonny Road project site, where Julius Berger is the main contractor.
The construction of the 38-kilometre road, which commenced in 2014, has been fraught with challenges due to the area’s low-lying marshy terrain, muddy and swampy soil conditions, and considerable tidal movements.
During the inspection, the committee noted significant progress, with five kilometres of the road already asphalted and critical bridges completed, linking the mainland to Bonny Island.
Senator Mpigi, who addressed the media expressed satisfaction with the progress but urged Julius Berger to maintain its reputation as a leading construction company in Nigeria.
A member of the committee, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, also emphasised how delicate the project is, citing differences in construction conditions compared to other regions. He quipped: “Construction in this area is not the same as in the South-East.
On their part, the Managing Director of Julius Berger, Peer Lubasch, assured the Committee that the company will complete the road project by December, depending on adequate financing.
According to Lubasch, the pace of construction was slow due to the need to allow the soil to set, considering that the area is low-lying, marshy, muddy and swampy, as well as disturbing tidal movements. He noted that despite these challenges, significant progress has been made. with reasonable kilometres of the road already asphalted, adding that the road is accessible for vehicles to drive into both the Mainland and Island. He added that critical bridges have also been completed, linking the mainland to Bonny Island.
MEANWHILE, Julius Berger Nigeria has committed to rejigging infrastructure development across Rivers State as key road and bridge projects. This move, it said, is to quickly deliver and join in transforming access and mobility for those communities.
From the Port Harcourt Ring Road to the Emohua-Abalama/Tema Junction Road and the Ahoada-Omoku-Ndoni Road, construction efforts are bringing new economic opportunities to the region, easing movement and opening up business potentials for residents.
The 15.24 km dualisation of the Emohua-Abalama/Tema Junction Road, located just outside the state capital, Port Harcourt, is already showing signs of progress. Phase 1 has been completed, while Phase 2 commenced in November 2024 despite the well-known security challenges in the area.
According to the Project Manager, Finn Drosdowski, the project, which includes drainage works and solar-powered street lighting, is expected to improve travel times and safety for road users.
In addition, he said, work is also advancing on the Ahoada-Omoku-Ndoni Road Extension, which involves the dualisation of the 25.4km Ahoada-Omoku Road linking Ogbo Okudu Road Junction in Ahoada East to Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Council.
Drosdowski said the completion is nearing 75 per cent, with drainage systems being installed in township areas. Some residents, he further said, have been relocated due to the project, with compensations processed for affected properties.
Julius Berger has also started the reconstruction of the Buguma-Abalama-Tema-Degema-Abonnema Road, a critical 19.6km route that connects several riverine communities.
The project, which includes drainage works and the rehabilitation of seven bridges, officially commenced in December 2024. Engineers on-site confirmed that pre-construction surveys have guided the decision to partially reuse milled road material as a sub-base to improve sustainability. In addition to local employment opportunities, the company is engaging community suppliers and ensuring that workforce training aligns with modern construction standards.
Amid these projects, Julius Berger has stated that it remains committed to delivering the critical Ring Road Project on schedule. Awarded in 2023, the 50.15km dual carriageway is one of the most significant infrastructure developments in Rivers State, designed to connect six local councils – Port Harcourt, Obio Akpor, Ikwerre, Etche, Eleme, and Oyigbo.
The project includes five flyovers and a river-crossing bridge, significantly improving intra-city movement. At Ozuoba Flyover, workers have begun laying the connecting road to Rumumasi Flyover, while commercial activity continues around the area.
Also, in Rumumasi, traders and transport operators are adjusting to the ongoing construction work as traffic routes shift. Further, the roads linking Rumumasi to Aluu Flyover, as well as Aluu to Kala Flyover and Kala to Elelenwo Flyover, are close to completion. Near Kala Flyover, final drainage works are in progress.
[adf]
Meanwhile, on the East-West Road axis, crews were seen installing U-shaped drainage channels and road dividers, marking the final steps in preparing the road for use.
At the terminal point of the Ring Road project a flurry of construction activities was observed as Julius Berger workers were busy with U-channels and median works.
In line with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policies, Julius Berger has constructed and maintained temporary access roads while continuing to provide employment opportunities for locals.
Additionally, the company’s Young Engineers Programme remains active, training future professionals in construction and project management. Emphasising the broader impact of the ongoing projects, Drosdowski said: “We are contributing to the long-term growth of Rivers State through infrastructure that will transform communities.
“Every project we undertake is part of a larger effort to support economic and social development.
“At the end of the day, the roads and bridges we built will speak for our commitment to progress.”
