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Nigeria-Cameroon Bridge for completion this year

By on August 15, 2015

A modern dual carriage bridge connecting Nigeria to Cameroon would be completed before the end of this year. The completion of the bridge is expected to ease the movement of persons and goods between the two West African countries.

The construction of the bridge, which is being financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) is geared towards facilitating trade and socio-economic relations between both countries.

Multinational construction giant, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), which is already handling many mega construction projects across the African continent, is the firm handling the construction of the bridge.

The bridge contract, which commenced two years ago, is expected to go over the Cross River at the Nigeria/Cameroon border at Ekok/Mfum, with an approaching road for easy vehicular movement.

The length of the bridge across the river is expected to be about 276 meters with an approach single lane road with approximately 1.5 kilometers length on either side of the bridge.

According to a federal government tender notice obtained by THISDAY, the design and build (D and B) bridge project includes a new two lane bridge over the Cross River of approximate length of 276 meters with approach roads (single carriageways of approximate 1.5 kilometers length) on either side of the bridge. The weight of the bridge carriageway should not be less than 11am.

Going by the time the contract was awarded, the bridge ought to be completed by now. However, the execution of the contract was affected by forces beyond the control  of the contractor. Stakeholders in the maritime industry have said   the completion of the project would have positive impact on the socio-economical development of the citizenry of both companies.

Chairman of Shippers Association of Cross Rivers State, Mr. Micheal Ogodo said the completion of the bridge would open the state and indeed the surrounding states for more business, especially with the neighbouring countries.

He explained that the completed road would bring the land lock businesses of the surrounding countries to Calabar port.

The shipper enjoined the federal government to as a matter of urgency ensure the dredging of the Calabar channel was not allowed to suffer any hiccup.

According to him, this is the only way to ensure that ocean going vessels can have access to the Calabar port all year round.

 

[ThisDay]