The thriving pontoon business, the longstanding reliance for crossing of both human and agricultural produce in Ndokwa east local government area of Delta State, has been crippled with the completion of the Beneku bridge at sight.
The government of the immediate past governor of the state, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, which started the bridge project said it took up the construction of Kwale-Beneku Bridge because AGIP and other oil companies operating in the area failed in their corporate social responsibility.
However, Okowa could not also complete the bridge project as promised to the people that the bridge would be delivered February 2022.
But the State Commissioner for Works Highways and Urban Roads Comrade Reuben Izeze has said that with the success recorded on the Beneku bridge construction, it is goodbye to the use of pontoon along the trajectory.
He stated this Thursday February 29th 2024, when he paid an unscheduled visit to the construction site of the ongoing Beneku bridge in Ndokwa east local government area of the state.
He lauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his commitment towards completion of the project which was initiated by the immediate past administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa.
According to him, the residents erupted in excitement born out of the fact that, they can now say goodbye to pontoon because there is a new Sheriff in town.
“The Beneku bridge project was initiated by the last administration, and it is one of those projects, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has shown genuine interest in, and has assured that all things being equal, he will leave no ongoing project abandoned.
“His commitment to the M.O.R.E Agenda is unwavering and still on course.
“So let me assure the people of Beneku that I will go back and report what I have witnessed here, what I have seen and my observations as the case may be to the working Governor of Delta State, who is delivering unusual governance and quality projects to our people.
“His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, appreciates the residents of Beneku for their peaceful cooperation with the government and the contractor towards seeing the project progressed this far.”
One of the residents, Osita Ossai said the construction of the bridge is one of the best things that has happened to the good people of Beneku and neighboring communities who have over the years been struggling with means of transporting their farm produce to market in the main towns, saying, “the bridge indeed has bridged that gap and we are happy.”
