MAKURDI – Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue has approved the payment of compensations for structures on the Right of Way (RoW) for construction of the Wurukum flyover in Makurdi to commence.
Mrs Mlumun Ikpaahindi, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Infrastructure, made the disclosure on Friday in Makurdi after an evaluation tour of the structures marked for compensation.
Ikpaahindi said that the Minister of Works, in February 2024, gave approval for the construction/dualisation of the Lafia-Makurdi-Ninth Mile Road.
The technical adviser said that Alia, in his magnanimity and love for infrastructure development, appealed to the Federal Government to include a flyover at the Wurukum Roundabout.
She said that the governor’s request was granted by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW).
Ikpaahindi lauded the governor for massive infrastructure development in Benue and thanked him for approving the compensations for the RoW.
“The release of the 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 new River Benue Bridge and end close to the Atorough Tyough Plaza.
Ikpaahindi appealed to motorists to exercise patience during all activities on the route, as traffic may be slow, but assured them that alternative routes would 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 informed 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.
Reports that those involved in the construction include the federal and state ministries of works, Benue State Urban Development Board, and a host of other private construction companies. (NAN)
