By Austin Angwe, Makurdi
Benue State Executive Council during its fourth Council meeting held at Government House Makurdi, approved the immediate payment of N1,569,583,932.17 to CGC, a Chinese company that constructed the Otobi/Otukpo and Katsina-Ala Water Works about 10 years ago.
According to a statement by Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, council also directed the Ministry of Water Resources, Environment, and Climate Change to invite CGC to commence the rehabilitation of the facility and restore water supply to Otobi, Otukpo, and their environs with immediate effect, adding that the aim is to improve living conditions of citizens.
He revealed that council also approved several other key projects, including the extension and dualization of the Wurukum-Airforce Base Road, the upgrade of the Mbawuar to Bako-Negher and Spur to Mbaakon Road, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, as well as the reconstruction of the Assembly Complex and Clinic.
The extension and dualization of the Wurukum-Airforce Base Road, awarded to M/S Bahaus Global Investment Nigeria Ltd was approved at a cost of N68,329,287,647.57, and is expected to improve transportation and boost economic activities in the area, Kula added will include the construction of a 5-span bridge at Tyo-Mu.
He also disclosed that the upgrade of Mbawuar to Bako-Negher and Spur to Mbaakon Road, awarded also to M/S Bahaus Global Investment Nigeria Ltd at the cost of ₦73,920,604,234.52, will improve road safety and reduce travel time for commuters, while the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, awarded to Welltime Limited at a cost of N1,136,469,250.83, will provide a conducive environment for the deputy governor to perform his duties.
The statement added that reconstruction of the Assembly Complex and Clinic approved by council at a cost of N4,593,087,831.76, and awarded to Gerewa Global Engineering Lit will provide a modern and functional complex for the state assembly and a clinic for the benefit of lawmakers and staff.
The chief press secretary also disclosed that council during the session received a letter of approval from the Federal Government for the establishment of an infectious disease control centre at Vandeikya Local Government Area, adding that the development followed a request by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who had expressed concern over cases of infectious diseases in the state.
