Ijaw Group Raises Concern Over Abandoned Bridge In Ondo Riverine Community

The Ijaw Consultative Forum has called on the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission to mount pressure on the commission to reaward the contract for the bridge linking Agadagba Obon with Arogbo, a riverine community in Ondo State, to a competent contractor.

The National Coordinator, ICF, Suffy Uguoji, said this in an interview with THE WHISTLER on Friday.

Enumerating the benefits of the projects, Uguoji said the bridge would enhance economic development in the part of Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state as well as boost security.

He stated that the Chairman, House Committee on NDDC, Mr Bunmi Tunji-Ojo, at a stakeholders meeting with the people of laje and Ese-Odo local government area in Abuja disclosed that the bridge had already been captured in the 2021 Appropriation Act.

Uguoji said, ” I wish to state clearly that the manner the road project has been abandoned by the contracting firm, Piccolo Brunnery, a foreign construction company is still a concern to the Ijaw people.”

He also advised that the contract should not be re-awarded to unscrupulous contractor to avoid further delay.

He also called on the Ondo State Government to ensure through its representative on the board of the commission that the contract is given to a reputable company.

The ICF leader said, “The capturing of the project in the Appropriation Act of 2021 alone is not enough hope for the completion of the project which is our major concern.

“We want the House of Representatives through the Chairman of House Committee on NDDC, Hon. Tunji-Ojo to mount pressure on the management of the NDDC not only to re-award the contract to a reputable company but also to make available enough funds to facilitate its completion on time. massive economic activities in

“If this link bridge is realised it will open up the entire area which will as well extend to the neighbouring areas like Ilaje Local Government Area and lkale in Okitipupa Local Government Areas.

“We are also aware that some kilometers of township road network will accompany the contract that will take care of our bad roads in Arogbo township.”

The Ijaw leader said the people of the communities involved had warned residents against making financial demands from any contractor the project would be awarded to.

He said the ugly incidents which happened in the past would not be allowed to happen again because the people, themselves, were ready to prevent it .