Residents of Akiama Community are eagerly awaiting the reopening of the Akiama Road after the reconstruction of the collapsed bridge by Evomec Global Services Limited, which have continued to praise for doing “a great job”.

The bridge reconstruction project was awarded to Evomec by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects for its ongoing Train 7 project. 

An on-the-spot assessment by a Kristina Reports team found that the reconstruction work on the bridge has been completed awaiting reopening by the authorities.

A source within the company, who preferred anonymity, hinted Kristina Reports that NLNG, Evomec, the community, and other stakeholders were waiting on the local government authorities to officially reopen the road to traffic.

When contacted, a senior official of the Bonny Local Government, who spoke in confidence with Kristina Reports, blamed the political turbulence in the State for the delay.

“We’re aware that Evomec has completed the job and, though I’m not sure, it appears the NLNG has also informed Madam about it. But you can see all that’s happening in the State.”

“The road would soon be reopened to traffic. I also think the Chairman wants to carry along all stakeholders in the matter. Sooner than later, it will be reopened to traffic.”

A resident of the area, who only identified herself as Ibelema, had good words for Evomec, saying the company executive the project in a professional way and within a short time.

“Haa! They did a great work there oh. You can see the new bridge how strong and beautiful it is. The company tried. At least, now, we won’t be afraid of the bridge collapsing again.”

A commercial motorcycle rider, who identified himself as Akpan, thanked the local government, NLNG and Evomec for fixing the bridge, pointing out that once the bridge is open but will be booming again for him and his colleagues who ply that route.

On his part, a member of the youth body of the Akiama Community, who also spoke off record as he was not authorised to speak to the Press, said his community was happy with the efforts Evomec put in to deliver what he referred to as “as excellent job”.