Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has described Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as one company with a proven record of matchless construction jobs in Nigeria, and that its formidable record of success is one of the reasons why the state government has chosen the company as its preferred contractor for its legacy project, the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridges and Approach Roads Project.
The governor stated this at the flagged-off ceremony of the project which took place in Ikeja recently. Speaking at the event, Sanwo-Olu said that “Julius Berger has a proven track record for foremost construction job; it has wealth of experience especially in the type of terrain where this projects covers. We had no choice but to choose them as our preferred contractor.
“In addition, to show their commitment, Julius Berger has already moved to the site and are ready to work” He further enjoined the company to reaffirm its unfailing reliability by delivering the Ojota-Opebi Link Project in 18 months, which is two months earlier than the 20 months contract duration.
“You have 20 months to deliver the job, however, I want to stretch you a bit. Deliver the project in 18 months so that you will once again write your name in the history book of Lagos. You have done it before; you can do it again”, the Governor said.
According to him, the Ojota-Opebi Link Project was conceptualised over 20 years ago by previous governments in the state and abandoned, but that in partnership with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, his administration has brought the project execution to life. “We are not just building roads, but solving traffic problems with enhanced interconnectivity to make life more meaningful to all our people in Lagos State. Presently, there is no direct access link between Opebi and Maryland and Ojota, hence there is the need for this legacy project, which will also have an interchange at Maryland for commuters’ convenience with reduced traffic gridlock all over Lagos”, Sanwo-Olu said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye assured that the project will not be abandoned because according to her “the project has been awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, who had successfully carried out extensive studies and engineering investigations along the project alignment…. At this stage, it is noteworthy to reassure all that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu is determined to ensure that the project does not end up being abandoned as a necessary funding mechanism has been put in place to guarantee its timely completion”.
Also present at the event were top Lagos State Government officials including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat. The Julius Berger delegation that accompanied the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, to the ceremony, included Regional Manager, Commercial, Region West, Mr. Alexander Bauer, Regional Manager, Technical, Region West, Engr. Thomas Balzuweit and Engr. Nath Ikem. Others were, Engr Adegbenga Osunlana, Engr. Bolaji Johnson, Engr. Rasheedat Anifowoshe, Mrs. Victoria Biachi and Emmanuel Isibor.
