Achieving ease of doing business through traffic efficiency in the Akiama axis of Bonny Island, among others, is the key consideration for the reconstruction of the collapsed Akiama Bridge, Chairman of Bonny Local Government Area, Anengi Claude-Wilcox has said.

Dame Claude-Wilcox, who said this on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in response to Kristina Reports enquiry on the kick-start of the project in Bonny, Rivers State, informed that the project was being funded through a Public/Private Partnership (PPP).

Speaking through her Press Secretary, Boma Waribor, the Bonny LGA boss stated that the PPP involves the Bonny Local Government, Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) and Evomec Global Services Limited (EGSL).

She explained that checkmating the flooding debacle being faced by residents of the area was also key to the contemplation of the project, noting that the design envisages this key concern.

“Accessibility of the area, especially, for ease of doing business and reduction of flooding given that the canal would be improved upon to be better than what it is now towards evacuating more waste water around Akiama and Abalamabie are some of the key considerations for this project.”

The Bonny LGA Chairman explained that the project contemplates earth works to provide a more sustainable solid base, dredging of the canal to evacuate waste water, especially, those from the surrounding swamps, and rebuilding of the bridge.

“All of the above all things being equal. It’s a comprehensive project.”

She added that it became imperative to seek various avenues to source funding to deliver on the project, stressing that the sufferings of residents of the area, especially, the people of Akiama was giving sleepless nights, expressing enthusiasm that their challenges would soon be a thing of the past.