By Brenda Agba
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr Hyacinth Alia has flagged off the construction of 16 roads within Makurdi, the state capital, measuring 15.39 kilometres at the cost of Six Billion Naira.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony, the governor expressed appreciation to Benue people for their faith in him since his assumption of office.
Alia, who recalled his campaign promises of a better life to the people, said: “The construction of the 16 roads, measuring 15.39 kilometers within Makurdi metropolis which is monumental, marks a significant milestone in our commitment to revolutionize the infrastructure of Benue State as we prepare to lay the foundation of a New Benue within our first 100 days in office.”
He said the construction of the roads will be a significant step towards achieving the goal of providing quality infrastructure for the people adding that “These roads will not only improve transportation within the city, but also create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth.
“A good road network is the lifeline of any thriving city, and Makurdi is no exception. These well-designed roads, with their asphalt surfaces, concrete drains, and culverts, will not only improve transportation and connectivity within the city but also boost economic activities and enhance the overall quality of life for our citizens.”
He urged the contractor, M/S Triacta Nigeria Limited, to be diligent, adhere to the specified requirements, and complete the works within the stipulated time frame.
The Project Engineer, Nabil Nassar, on behalf of Triacta Nigeria Limited, expressed gratitude to the state government for entrusting them with the roads project even as he solicited the cooperation of all stakeholders in Makurdi for a peaceful atmosphere towards the timely execution of the project.
“We understand the significance of this project, not only in terms of infrastructural development, but also as a means to enhance connectivity and improve the lives of our fellow citizens.
“We assure the people of Makurdi that we will deliver the best quality of work with utmost sincerity, and we are committed to completing this endeavour within the stipulated timeframe”, Nassar assured.
The Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Works, represented by Nick Joko, said the ministry has been repositioned by the governor to monitor projects in the state to ensure works are executed according to specifications.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Technical Committee on Infrastructural Planning and Implementation, Engr Gabriel Akpen, explained that the committee went round with the Governor to identify the roads to be constructed after they had interacted with would-be contractors.
“The bills they gave us were fair enough and we along side the Ministry of Works, will ensure that the needful is done so that there will be value for the money expended.
“This is just the first phase. In the second phase, other roads even beyond Makurdi especially in the rural areas will be considered”, Akpen said.
On his part, the Resident Engineer of the 16 roads projects, Engr Thaddeus Tarzomon, further reiterated the commitment of the Directorate of Civil Engineering, Ministry of Works, to deliver quality works to the state.T
The roads for construction include: Odeh-Ageh-John Feese Street (1.08 kilometers) with Spur to Kuma Abanyam and Othaniel Taanghar Street, Orkuma Akunda Street (810 meters), Lush Street (580 meters) and Augustinian Community Roads (1.13 kilometers) all in the New GRA part of Makurdi as well as Nigerian Navy Barracks Road (1.98 kilometers), Keghem Malu Street (420 meters) along the Adeke/Achusa area.
At the Wurukum part of Makurdi, David Jebe Street (1.33 kilometers), Kormya City Guest House — Akpeme (450 meters), Tyagher Gbaa Street (640 meters),
Victoria Aende Street (590 meters), Keke NAPEP Street 1.450 kilometers) will be constructed.
The North Bank area has Ghandi Street (1.43 kilometers), Federal Low-Cost Housing Road (1.1 kilometers) while the High Level part of Makurdi has Eight Avenues (760 meters) and lorkyaa Ako Street extension (700 meters) with Ikeja —Sokoto Street (730 meters) in the Wadata part of Makurdi.
The roads are to be completed within eleven months.
