News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia has approved the payment of compensations for affected structures on the Right of Way (RoW) for the commencement of the construction of the Wurukum flyover in Makurdi.
Recall that the Minister of Works in February 2024 gave an approval for the construction/dualization of the Lafia-Makurdi-9th Mile Road.
The Governor of Benue State, in his magnanimity and love for infrastructural development, appealed to the Federal Government to include a flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout which was
Engr Mlumun Ikpaahindi, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, confirmed the approval on Friday in Makurdi after the evaluation of structures marked for compensation.
Ikpaahindi commended the governor for massive infrastructure in Benue and thanked him for the approval of compensations for right of way.
“The release of funds for the RoW paves the way for the construction of the flyover to begin.
“The governor has passion for the state’s progress and development; we commend him for this too,” she said.
According to the adviser, the 600-metre flyover will begin immediately after the River Benue Bridge and end close to the Atorough Tyough Plaza.
She said all arrangements and agreements of signed and approved documents for compensations have been concluded, as all parties were satisfied.
Ikpaahindi appealed to motorists to exercise patience during all activities on the route, as traffic may be slow, but assured them that alternative routes may be designated.
“The first priority of the contractor is to create diversions. These are alternate routes that will be open to traffic while the construction is ongoing. This will ensure there’s no traffic congestion during the construction.
“Also there will be road signs through from after the bridge towards Victoria Atorough Plaza.
“I have also told the contractors that the media should be involved before and during construction via radio and social media to keep people updated on these developments so they are aware beforehand.”
Ikpaahinde restated the essence of the flyover to include decongestion of the city around Wurukum, North Bank and the Otukpo Road and to the eastern part of Nigeria, also heading to town.
She emphasised that the flyover would add to urban development, proper town planning, and the aesthetics of the city.
The stakeholders involved in the construction include the Federal Ministry of Work, the State Ministry of Works and the Benue State Urban Development Board.
Others include China Harbour Engineering Company – Contractor, E. A. Iordaa (independent estate valuers) and the Technical Adviser Infrastructure (Governor’s representative)
