By Nkechinyere Ewa
Minister of Works, David Umahi on Wednesday inspected the ongoing 19-span Ndi Ebe Beach Bridge in and called on residents of the area to support the ruling in the next general election.
Umahi described the bridge project as a major engineering feat, noting that the construction method being deployed was innovative and the first of its kind in the South-East region.
“This is Ndiebe beach and we have a total of 19 spans and each span is about 30 metres. That is why the method of launching the beams is going to be different. This is quite innovative and it has never been used in the entire South-East,” he said.
The minister explained that specialised cranes were being used to transport and lay the highly pre-stressed beams because conventional cranes could not effectively handle the work between the spans.
According to him, the contractors still have about nine piles to complete, adding that new equipment had to be introduced because of the water current challenges at the site.
Umahi acknowledged that the contractors were facing funding challenges but commended them for continuing work despite delayed payments.
“I know that they have funding challenges, but they have been very good partners in terms of working and expecting payment. The President has assured me that all contractors being owed would be paid because government is sourcing funds to settle everybody,” he stated.
He linked the bridge project to the larger Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and other federal road infrastructure initiatives of President .
According to him, the bridge would eventually connect to the 465-kilometre corridor running from Calabar through Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa to Abuja.
The minister expressed optimism that the bridge would be ready for use before May next year.
“I’m very sure that before May next year, by God’s special grace, we will be passing through this bridge,” he added.
Umahi, however, urged the people of Afikpo to vote massively for President Tinubu and the APC in future elections, arguing that continued support for the administration would guarantee completion of ongoing projects in the South-East.
“Last time they didn’t vote for APC. If they want this bridge completed, it will require 100,% of the votes. Only President Bola Tinubu can build this road and these bridges,” he said.
The minister further stated that past administrations had failed to execute the project despite making promises over the years.
He also revealed plans to bypass parts of the Afikpo town to ease traffic flow and preserve the integrity of the proposed superhighway corridor.
According to him, the bypass would connect through Timber shade and ongoing flyover projects aimed at resolving traffic congestion in the area.
Umahi added that the federal government was also expanding road projects linking Ebonyi State to neighbouring states, including the route from Amasiri through Okigwe.
Responding to questions from journalists on possible expansion of the road corridor, the minister said the original design was for a single carriageway but adjustments were being considered due to the increasing importance of the route.
He noted that drainage works around the Eke Market axis had already been completed and that concrete pavement work would soon commence in the area.