The Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola has assured that the Federal Government would complete the second Niger Bridge and Zik’s Mausoleum, initiated by the last administration.
Fashola stated this at his one-day official visit to the commercial city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where he conducted on-the-spot assessment of work on the bridge and other major projects in the state.
“When completed, the bridge will bring improvement and accelerate the economic prosperity, transportation and exchange of goods and services across the country,” he said.
He also pledged that government would compensate appropriate landowners, as well as ensure that the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (EIA) is taken care of.
He disclosed that the bridge was the Federal Government’s first move towards a Public Private Partnership with some investors. He further noted the project as one of the largest infrastructural works being embarked upon by the Federal Government, even as he urged the host communities not to interrupt the projects’ progress or engage in hostilities.
At the late Nnamdi Azikiwe’s mausoleum in Onitsha, the minister said the abandoned project would be completed, adding that that it was one little way to appreciate those who served the country.
Governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, who stressed the importance of the second Niger Bridge, expressed hope that the project would be completed in good time.