The Federal Government has terminated the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka Road project in Benue following disagreements with the contractor over a request for a review of rates.
The Federal Controller of Works in Benue State, Mr Engr.Mukaila Danladi,
disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Danladi said about 29 kilometres of the Adoka-Naka section had been completed, while more than 30 kilometres between Naka and Makurdi remained outstanding.
He said the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, was working towards awarding the outstanding section to another competent contractor to ensure completion of the road.
According to him, the Benue Government could also seek Federal Government support towards completing the remaining section.
Meanwhile, Danladi said construction of the N83.7 billion, 1.7-kilometre Buruku Bridge across River Katsina-Ala had reached 21.17 per cent completion.
He said construction activities on the bridge would intensify after the rainy season, particularly in October and November, when the river level was expected to recede.
The controller said the high water level in the river had slowed work on sections requiring construction within the water.
He explained that most of the bridge piers and other substructure works had been completed, while the contractor was using the period to produce precast components at the construction yard.
He listed the components being produced to include beams, diaphragms and parapets, which would be installed once conditions permitted.
Danladi described the bridge as strategically important to the economic development of Buruku and neighbouring local government areas, saying it would improve the movement of agricultural produce to major markets.
He said the project would particularly benefit farmers and traders in the Sankera Federal Constituency by easing the transportation of yams and other farm produce from production areas to markets.
“The bridge will connect Buruku, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum, strengthening transportation between the North-Central and North-East regions,” he said.
Danladi said the improved connectivity would reduce travel time and transportation costs, enabling farmers to move their produce more efficiently and traders to access wider markets.
He added that the bridge would facilitate the movement of goods, services and people, thereby supporting commercial activities and creating opportunities for businesses along the corridor.
According to him, completion of the bridge and associated road infrastructure would strengthen economic integration and improve access to markets and essential services.
Mr Raymond Aondoakura, Chairman, Buruku Local Government Council, said the bridge had renewed hope among rural residents and commuters who had endured difficulties crossing the river.
Aondoakura said the bridge would provide lasting relief to residents and travellers who had depended on unsafe river crossings for decades.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his generosity and this monumental project. What this project has done for our local government cannot be expressed,” he said.
He said many lives had been lost in the river, adding that the bridge would provide a safer and more reliable route for residents and travellers from other states.
Aondoakura also commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for compensating affected indigenes, saying the gesture had supported the smooth execution of the project.
Some residents also commended the Federal Government for constructing the bridge, saying it would improve transportation, strengthen economic activities and enhance safety.
NAN reports that the River Katsina-Ala has, over the years, recorded fatalities involving people attempting to cross the river through unsafe means, including boats.
