The Benue State Executive Council on Thursday approved a total of N149.5 billion for the construction, rehabilitation, and provision of critical roads and infrastructural projects across the state, in line with the vision of Governor Hyacinth Alia’s desire to improve lives.
Governor Alia has prioritized road infrastructure development in Benue, implementing several projects since taking office to include, 16 township roads and ongoing works on the Makurdi Underpass, the Aper Alku Stadium, as well as the Benue Fashion Hub.
Others are the 34km road linking Benue to Cross River State among various project initiatives.
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Tersoo Kula in a statement said the Benue State Council gave the approval during its meeting presided by Alia in Makurdi.
He said approval was given for the immediate payment of N1.569 billion to CGC, a Chinese company for the construction of the Otobi/Otukpo and Katsina-Ala Water Works about 10 years ago.
The statement added that the council also directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change to invite CGC to commence the rehabilitation of the facility and restore the water supply in Otobi, Otukpo, and their environs.
“The council also approved several other key projects, including the extension and dualization of the Wurukum-Airforce Base Road, the upgrade of the Mbawuar to Bako-Negher and Spur to Mbaakon Road, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, and the reconstruction of the Assembly Complex and Clinic.
“The extension and dualization of the Wurukum-Airforce Base Road, which was approved for N64.329 billion is expected to improve transportation and boost economic activities in the area. The project, which will be handled by M/S Bahaus Global Investment Nigeria Ltd., includes the construction of a 5-span bridge at Mu,” the statement added.
According to the spokesman, the upgrade of the Mbawuar to Bako-Negher and Spur to Mbaakon Road, which was approved for ₦73.920billion, will improve road safety and reduce travel time for commuters. The project was awarded to M/S Bahaus Global Investment Nig. LTD.
He said, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, which was approved for N1.136 billion is expected to provide a conducive environment for the deputy governor to perform his duties and has been awarded to Welltime Limited.
“The reconstruction of the Assembly Complex and Clinic, which was approved at a cost of N4,593,087,831.76, will provide a modern and functional complex for the state assembly and a clinic for the benefit of lawmakers and staff. The project is to be controlled by Gerewa Global Engineering LTD.
“The council received a letter of approval from the Federal Government for the establishment of an infectious disease control center at Vandeikya Local Government Area. This follows a request by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who has expressed concern about cases of infectious diseases in the state,” Kula noted.
