By: Gbenga Akingbule.
The North East Development Commission (NEDC) on Saturday assured residents of Borno State that ongoing reconstruction of bridges destroyed by flooding will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Gatekeepers News reports that the September, 2024 devastating flooding had wrecked havoc in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Council, including the destruction on two major bridges – Moromoro and Fori Galtimari which the NEDC is working round the clock to fix.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of NEDC, Alh.Mohammed Alkali Goni gave the assurance shortly after inspecting ongoing reconstruction of bridges within Jere Local Government Council and Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to the NEDC MD/CEO who reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to restoring critical bridges distroyed by the floods, noted that the intervention is aimed at easing transportation challenges and reviving economic activities in impacted areas.
” I’m pleased with the pace of work at the Moromoro and Fori Galtimari bridges. I want to assure residents that we will ensure the contractors complete the projects within the agreed timeframe.
” These projects are expected to be completed within 18 months. The contractors are currently carrying out preliminary works; they are only about three months into the timeline, and we are satisfied with the progress made so far,” Goni said.
The consultant overseeing the two projects, Engr. Kori Shettima assured residents living near the bridges not to entertain any fears as the rainy season approaches, noting that the situation is fully under control.
Engr. Shettima disclosed that both bridges have been expanded beyond their former size prior to being destroyed by devastating floods. She noted that all professional standards and protocols are being strictly observed to ensure high-quality work.
“We are not worried about the rainy season. We have the right equipment to ensure that work continues uninterrupted throughout the period. SABTECh and Eighteenth Engineering Company (EEC) are equal to the task and are doing a very good job ,” Engr. Shettima said.
