Second Niger Bridge construction: Anambra Community Drags Julius Berger and 2 others to Court, Demands N2.5bn Compensation.

Ogbaru Community in Anambra State has dragged Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Federal Ministry of Works and B and Q Dredging before the Federal High Court in Awka with regards to the 2nd Niger Bridge construction which passed through Asaba to Ogbaru and stretched to Obosi area.

They claim that the activities of the trio has caused health and environmental hazards in their area since they began the construction.

They also claim that the River Niger which is their main source of water supply has been polluted and this has adversely affected the the aquatic life of River Niger. In addition, over 160 buildings from 15 communities in the Ogbaru Council Area on the coastal line of the River Niger have been affected badly by the ongoing construction.

The community is seeking the order of the court for the defendants to pay N2.5 billion as compensation for damages caused.

The community members are equally seeking for the order of the court to compel the defendants to recognize, deal and negotiate all terms and conditions of works with the Ogbaru Local Government Chairman in respect of the ongoing construction project.

The suit came up for hearing this morning in Awka but neither the three defendants nor their counsel were in court. Because of their absence, Justice I.B Gafai, the presiding judge, fixed 29th September, 2020, for the commencement of hearing in a suit.