The permanent Secretary of Rivers State Ministry of Works, Dr. Walter Ndu, has said Rivers State government has matched words with action as construction work has started on site of the three flyovers.
Dr. Ndu said that piling works have began on site of the three flyovers meet the deadline given by Governor Nyesom Wike to the contractor handling the projects within which to complete the projects.
He said: “Today, we have commenced the piling of the Rebisi flyover bridge. This is in fulfilment of the pledge of Governor Wike who is constructing three Flyover bridges simultaneously.
“We have matched our words with action. The government of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike will deliver the three Flyover Bridges as planned. The Government of Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has promised and it will keep its promise to the good people of Rivers State.”
He stated that steps have been taken to address the traffic challenges occasioned by the construction of the bridges.
“In line with the governor’s directive, we have worked out the right traffic management plan to ensure that the traffic flows, despite the heavy construction works ongoing.
Piling Works have started on the three Flyover Bridges flagged off for construction by the Rivers State Government.
Engineers and technicians of the contractor were seen at the site of the Rebisi Flyover Bridge carrying out piling activities with heavy duty equipment on Saturday.
Officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Works were on ground to monitor the progress of work and ensure that the contractor works in line with approved specifications.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo flagged off the construction of the Rebisi Flyover Bridge, the Rumuogba Flyover Bridge and Okoro-Nu-Odo Flyover Bridge in October. The three bridges are to be delivered within 16months.
The Julius Berger Project Manager for the Flyover Bridges, Finn Drosdowski said that the construction giant has fully mobilized for the all important projects.
He said: “We have started piling for the flyover bridges. After we are done with the piling, we will commence with excavation works at the site of the three flyover bridges.
“Our target is to fulfill our promise to Mr. Project and deliver the bridges within the scheduled 16months period.”
He described other steps that will be taken by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to deliver the three Flyover Bridges.
“We will chisel out the remaining concrete and build out the pile caps. On the pile caps are columns and on the columns are the pier heads and on the pier heads are the beams.
“The piling machine is a very important tool because it controls different processes in the construction of bridges”, he said.
Dr Walter Ndu noted that the piling works are ongoing, with a view to achieving the 16months schedule directed by Governor Wike.
