By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) has pledged to promptly complete the dualisation of the Makurdi–Otukpo–9th Mile (Enugu State) Road project, a key national corridor linking the North-Central and South-East zone of Nigeria.

CHEC’s Head of Engineering, Mr Li Dong, gave the assurance during the inspection of the project alongside Benue government officials at its Otukpo corridor.

Dong said that the subgrade work had been completed on several sections of the road, adding that stone base and pavement works would commence shortly.

According to him, asphalt laying on one side of the road is expected to be completed before March, subject to the timely relocation of utility installations along the corridor.

He said the company was working closely with relevant authorities to resolve outstanding challenges, including the relocation of power lines and water pipelines, to ensure uninterrupted construction.

The Deputy Governor of Benue, Mr Sam Ode, commended CHEC for the pace and quality of work, describing the firm as a reputable frontline construction company.

Ode praised President Bola Tinubu for sustaining the momentum of the project.

He also lauded the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, for his “hands-on leadership” and commitment to the delivery of critical road infrastructure nationwide.

The Deputy Governor said that Benue was responsible for compensation and relocation of utilities along the stretch of the road within the state.

This, he explained, was in line with a new federal policy requiring states to partner with the Federal Government on road projects.

According to him, the state has so far paid over 4.6 billion naira in compensation to affected communities.

Ode said that the funding covered demolished structures and the relocation of public utilities from Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi to Orokam, the boundary with Enugu State.

“In Otukpo township, we made a special appeal because our people have suffered for years due to the abandoned road.

“The Minister of Works graciously directed CHEC to prioritise this section, and we have been assured that the Otukpo stretch will be delivered before June this year,” he said.

Also speaking, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr. Munkaila Danladi, said the Makurdi–9th Mile (Enugu) Road spans about 250 kilometres, with Benue State accounting for the longest portion of approximately 178 kilometres.

Danladi disclosed that about 120 kilometres had been completed up to binder course level, while about 50 kilometres had reached the wearing course stage, alongside ongoing earthworks and construction of several hydraulic structures.

“We also have major structures like the flyover bridge at Chainage, which shows the level of momentum on this project.

“I assure you that by June this year, we should be able to complete the dual carriageway for the Otukpo corridor,” he said.

He stressed that quality assurance remained a top priority, noting that the Minister of Works does not tolerate substandard work.

According to him, the project is supervised by multiple consultants alongside ministry engineers, while routine laboratory testing of construction materials is conducted to ensure strict compliance with specifications.

Danladi also commended the host communities for their cooperation, noting that the economic importance of the road had encouraged residents in some areas to vacate affected sites even before compensation payments were concluded.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the project is jointly financed by the China Export and Import (EXIM) Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

When completed, the road is expected to boost agricultural trade, reduce travel time, attract investment and significantly enhance socio-economic activities across Benue, the Southeast and other neighbouring areas. (NAN)

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