Benue: Completion Of Katsina-Ala – Tukum 78km Road Will Boost Security, Local Economy – Minister

Minister of Works, David Umahi, has expressed optimism that the completion of the 78.62-kilometre Katsina-Ala – Tordonga – Takum road rehabilitation in Benue State would enhance security and boost the local economy.

The Minister, who made the disclosure while inspecting the road project in the area, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was out to run an inclusive government where all communities in the country will be carried along in the scheme of things.

Represented by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Mohammed Ahmed Abdullahi, the minister charged the contractor to keep to the terms of the agreement.

Federal Controller of Works, Federal Ministry of Works, Benue State office, Mukaila Danladi, explained that the ban on mining activities in the state affected the speed of work as the materials were sourced from Ebonyi State.

He added that apart from some security challenges, the asphalt-making machine had broken down, and a new one was ordered from outside the country, which also affected work progress.

On his part, the immediate past chairman of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Ukeyima Manager, commended President Tinubu for awarding the contract.

Earlier, the Project Coordinator at Gerawa Global Engineering, James Ingbian, explained that the contract was awarded in 2023 but faced security challenges and a mining ban in Benue State, which affected operations.

According to him, an impact assessment was conducted to establish a health clinic to address emergency health cases.

Ingbian, however, assured that upon resuming operations, the company will deliver quality jobs in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the federal government.