The Benue State Commissioner for Works, Hon. Kuma Aii Iyenge, has directed China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) to urgently repair township roads in Makurdi damaged by traffic diversions associated with the ongoing Makurdi–Enugu dual carriageway project.

Iyenge gave the directive on Tuesday during an interface meeting involving representatives of CHEC, the Federal Ministry of Works and the Benue State Ministry of Works at the ministry’s headquarters in Makurdi.

While commending CHEC for the quality and durability of its work on the federal road project, the commissioner expressed concern over the deterioration of several township roads subjected to increased traffic and heavy-duty vehicles diverted from the construction corridor.

He noted that the affected roads were not designed to withstand the pressure of such heavy traffic, warning that failure to address the damage promptly could worsen road conditions and inconvenience residents.

Iyenge therefore urged CHEC to collaborate with the Ministry of Works and the Benue State Road Maintenance Agency (BERMA) to assess the affected roads and commence immediate repairs.

Earlier, the Director of Civil Engineering in the ministry, Engr. Tivfa Wombo, emphasised the need for urgent intervention, particularly with the Yuletide season approaching, when vehicular movement into and out of the state is expected to increase.

Wombo identified George Akume Way and the Terwase Agbadu Road–Apir Road corridor as among the worst-affected routes, cautioning that delays in carrying out repairs could lead to further deterioration and higher rehabilitation costs.

In his response, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Works, Engr. Moses Ayua, disclosed that the culvert at Kilometer 4 along the Makurdi–Enugu road, which necessitated the traffic diversion, had been completed and the road reopened to traffic. He appealed to the contractor to expedite repairs on the damaged township roads to ease the burden on residents and other road users.

Also speaking, CHEC’s representative, Engr. Arome Solomon, sympathised with the Benue State Government and residents over the inconvenience caused by the diversion. He assured the meeting that the company would immediately undertake a joint assessment of the affected roads with BERMA and carry out the necessary repairs promptly.

Other officials at the meeting included the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr. Donald Ikyaaza; BERMA General Manager, Engr. Thaddeus Tarzoor; and Deputy Director of Design, Directorate of Civil Engineering, Engr. Michael Amile.

The meeting concluded with a resolution to constitute a joint technical team comprising the Ministry of Works, BERMA and CHEC to inspect the affected roads, determine the extent of damage and establish the scope of repairs required.

Ngunan Sullah

Information Officer

Ministry of Works, Benue State