The dualisation of the N10 billion Otukpo Township Road in Benue state is currently at 8%. The project contract was signed since 2015 and is still at the early stages. The project, which stretches to Enugu Round About in Enugu state, is awarded to Rockbridge Construction Nigeria Ltd. on January 24, 2015.
The Federal Controller of Works in Benue state, Engr. Celestine Shausu, who led the Minister of State II, for Power, Works and Housing, Surveyor Suleiman Hassan Zarma to the project site as part of the minister’s inspection tour to the state, said that the project was suspended because of heavy downpour and non-payments for certified works. In response to the claims, the minister disclosed that all outstanding monies regarding the contract had been paid in January. However, the minister stated that the contractor is still yet to mobilise his team to commence work fully. ”
Also, the work activity is not on top of what we expect, considering his (contractor’s) capacity and when he was given the job. We expect that he will move a little faster than this. “I also know how important this road is to the economy and security of this country, and part of this security problems is anchoring on the bad portions of the road allowing criminals operate as that is what we are battling with.
“So, economy, security are tied together with very good road accesses. We want to at least see very fast progress on the rehabilitation.” He said. He,however, gave the contractor the marching order to deliver the project in December. Meanwhile, the minister also inspected the 40 kilometres Otukpo-Markudi road, which had been completed and awaiting commissioning; and the 53 kilometres Oshegbudu–Oweto road, which is at the 51 percent completion stage.
