By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured residents and traders affected by the Wurukum flyover project in Makurdi of full compensation and relocation, as demolition works begins to clear the site.
Nigeria News Project reports that market women, rice mill operators, motor park users, and owners of other structures around the Wurukum roundabout, including the abattoir, Immigration and Civil Defence offices, are among those impacted by the project.
Supervising officials, led by the Governor’s Technical Adviser on Infrastructure, Engr. Mlumun Ikpaahindi, and representatives of the State Ministry of Works, the Urban Development Board, and contractors from China Harbour Engineering Company, urged residents to remain patient while arrangements for resettlement are finalised.
“We are committed to ensuring that everyone displaced by this project is properly compensated and accommodated. A permanent site will be designated for market women to continue their businesses without disruption,” Ikpaahindi assured.
The 600-metre flyover, stretching from the River Benue Bridge to Atorough Tyough Plaza, is designed to decongest Wurukum and improve traffic flow along the Lafia-Makurdi-Nineth Mile Road corridor and adjoining routes.
The project, which has received both federal and state approvals, marks the first flyover in Benue State and is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company with oversight from multiple stakeholders.
The state government officials have cautioned motorists to expect temporary delays during construction, noting that alternate routes and traffic signage will be provided to reduce inconvenience.
