Makurdi Underpass Project: No Cause for Alarm on Safety – Contractor

The contractor handling the underpass projects in Makurdi and Gboko, Messrs. Bauhaus Global Ltd, has assured residents of the structural safety of the projects, particularly the Makurdi site, following concerns raised in some media reports.

The Project Manager, Engr. Charbel Al Ammar, gave the assurance while briefing members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, at the Union’s Secretariat on the progress of the projects, now approaching two years.

Recent reports had suggested that cracks had appeared on the Makurdi underpass. Reacting, Engr. Al Ammar described the development as “minor issues already taken care of,” stressing that the situation would also be addressed at the final stage of the contract.

On the problem of flooding that disrupts free traffic flow on the top deck of the underpass whenever it rains, he said the company had been alerted to the challenge and had already taken corrective measures.

Responding to complaints by business owners whose operations have been adversely affected by the prolonged construction period and lack of compensation, the Project Manager confirmed that discussions were ongoing with the affected owners to work out compensation arrangements.

While acknowledging that the projects had taken longer than expected, Engr. Al Ammar dismissed suggestions of fatigue on the part of the company. He attributed the delay, particularly on the Makurdi site, to the high underground water table that slowed down progress. He explained that a drainage system had been constructed to control the water, with a channel built by Bauhaus to divert it to its final destination.

According to him, the underpass projects in Makurdi and Gboko had reached 95 percent completion, with the Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, recently approving extensions to the lay-bys and the construction of a one-kilometer water channel to prevent future flooding.

“What remains on the work includes surface dressing, casting of walkways, installation of solar-powered streetlights, landscaping, painting, asphalt finishing, and stamping,” he said.

On the 21 road projects awarded across the state, Al Ammar explained that heavy rains had hampered progress. He, however, assured that with the onset of the dry season, work would be expedited for timely delivery.

Also speaking, the Director-General of the Bureau of Special Projects and Infrastructure, Prof. Gabriel Akpen, confirmed that out of the 21 roads, 13 had reached 35 percent completion, while the remaining eight were yet to commence. Represented by the Director of Engineering Services, Engr. Hembafoon Nongo, he restated the Bureau’s commitment to strict supervision to ensure quality delivery.

The NUJ Chairman, Comrade Bemdoo Ugber, in his remarks, assured of the Union’s commitment to factual reportage of the projects’ progress. He urged Bauhaus to uphold the required standards and deliver within the stipulated timeframe, while commending Governor Alia for prioritizing quality infrastructure in the state.