Why Construction Of The 2nd Niger Bridge Was Suspended - Minister Reveals

The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laurentia Mallam, yesterday said that the construction of the Second Niger Bridge was halted because the government did not comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Law, EIA before commencing the project.

Speaking with a Turkish delegation during a courtesy call on her, she said the ministry has consequently stopped work on the project as the Federal Government failed to comply with the requirements of the EIA law.

"The Minister of works had to run to me so that we might give them certificate to resume work,” Mrs Mallam said.

The Environmental Impact Assessment is a formal process used to predict the environmental consequences (positive or negative) of a plan, policy, programme, or project prior to implementation.

It proposes measures to adjust impacts to acceptable levels or to investigate new technological solution.

The EIA law protects environment with sound basis for effective and sustainable development.

In February, the Minister of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen had disclosed in Abuja that N117 billion will be spent to construct the second Niger Bridge.

President Goodluck Jonathan, had on March 10, laid the foundation stone for the construction of second Niger Bridge linking Asaba in Delta State with Onitsha in Anambra State.

On that same day, former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, had faulted the flag off of the construction of the second Niger Bridge by President Goodluck Jonathan saying it was belated, as the project ought to have been completed before now.

Source: Legit.ng