The Rivers State Government has recently awarded Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the contract to construct a world-class Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease Diagnostic and Treatment Centre in the state capital, Port Harcourt.
The project which will cost about 25.9 billion naira, is to cover a gross building area of 11,300 square meters and estimated to be completed over a 14 month construction period. When completed it will be first of its kind, owned by a state government in Nigeria.
Named after an erstwhile governor of the state Dr. Peter Odile, the centre will be a 72 bed facility which will include a dedicated ICU/CCU patient accommodation ward, critical care areas for immune compromised patients and private isolation bed wards.
It will also feature amongst others a fully equipped pathology laboratory, a radiology department, two full theatres and one Cath lab which is an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment that is used to visualize the arteries and chambers of the heart for detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Additionally, the three-storey building will feature a helipad for emergency patient drop off.
Speaking at the foundation laying ceremony, the Managing Director, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter explained that the building design is in line with international best practices for hospitals.
“In planning the facility there was careful consideration for patients and service flow to ensure high efficiency, and also a thoughtful environment… in order to provide a quieter, calmer, more therapeutic stay and improved recovery”, Dr. Richter said, adding that the building is made ready for future expansion. In his words, “the design is future proof… extension ready to accommodate additional facilities or services for possible new advanced treatment and care in the future”.
Nigeria National Cancer Prevention and Control Plan (2018-2022), puts the annual death attributed to cancer at 72,000 people per year while an estimated 102,000 new cases are recorded annually in the country. According to a recent research people of the oil rich Niger-Delta are increasingly at risk of the disease which is predicted to reach epidemic proportion because of the environmental pollution caused by the unsustainable oil exploration practices in the region. The hospital is therefore expected to serve not only the people of Rivers State but the entire region. The Centre is also expected to attract international tourism because of its world-class standard.
Speaking about why Julius Berger Nigeria Plc was the construction company of choice for the project, the Governor of the State, His Excellency Gov Nyesom Wike explained that the company has over the years illustrated trust and reliability, deploying unparalleled technology and technical competence for the execution of projects. According to him, “Our people need the best infrastructures and in this country, we all agree that Julius Berger builds and delivers only the very best and lasting infrastructure. We chose Julius Berger to help us build it not only well, but also successfully within its scheduled completion time as experience have taught us the company always does with projects they undertake.”
The foundation laying ceremony for the project was conducted at the project site by the country’s Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire. Other important dignitaries at the event included the former Governor of Rivers State, Dr. Sir Peter Odili and his wife Honourable Justice Mary Odili of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. Also on ground to witness the event was another former Governor of the State, Sir Celestine Omehia, members from both national and state assemblies, traditional institutions, youth and women groups.
Julius Berger Synopsis
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a Nigerian company offering integrated construction solutions. The company has been operating in Nigeria since 1965 and its scope covers all areas of construction. Julius Berger is dedicated to utilization of cutting-edge technologies, the continuous investment in staff training and strong partnership with clients. Quality, integrity, safety and sustainability are the pillars of Julius Berger’s structures and behaviours. The company is committed to being a responsible corporate citizen and actively seeks out opportunities to make measurable differences in the future of people and communities.
