The Federal Government says the ongoing construction of the N83.7 billion 1.7-kilometre Buruku Bridge across River Katsina-Ala in Benue is 21.17 per cent completed.
Mr Mukaila Danladi, Federal Controller of Works in Benue, made the disclosure in an interview in Makurdi on Tuesday.
Danladi said construction activities would intensify after the rainy season, particularly in October and November, when the river level was expected to recede.
He said the bridge, being constructed as a dual carriageway, was currently affected by high water levels in the river, slowing down work on sections requiring construction within the water.
According to him, most of the bridge piers and other substructure works have been completed, while the contractor is using the period to produce precast components at the construction yard.
He listed the components being produced to include beams, diaphragms and parapets, which would be installed as soon as conditions permitted.
Danladi said the bridge was strategically important to the economic development of Buruku and neighbouring local government areas because it would improve the movement of agricultural produce to major markets.
He stated that the project would particularly benefit farmers and traders in Sankera Federal Constituency by easing the transportation of yams and other farm produce from production areas to markets.
“The bridge will connect Buruku, Logo, Katsina-Ala and Ukum, strengthening transportation between the North-Central and North-East regions,” he said.
He emphasised that the improved connectivity would reduce travel time and transportation costs, allowing farmers to move produce more efficiently and traders to access wider markets.
Danladi said the bridge would also facilitate the movement of goods, services and people, thereby supporting commercial activities and creating opportunities for businesses along the corridor.
According to him, completion of the bridge and associated road infrastructure will strengthen economic integration and improve access to markets and essential services.
On the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka Road, Danladi said the project had been terminated following disagreements over the contractor’s request for a review of rates.
He said about 29 kilometres between Adoka and Naka had been completed, while more than 30 kilometres between Naka and Makurdi remained outstanding.
Danladi said the Minister of Works was working towards awarding the outstanding section to another competent contractor.
He added that the Benue Government could also seek Federal Government support towards completing the road.
Mr Raymond Aondoakura, Chairman, Buruku Local Government Council, told NAN that the bridge had renewed hope among rural residents and commuters who had endured difficulties crossing the river.
Aondoakura said the bridge would provide lasting relief to residents and commuters who had depended on unsafe river crossings for decades.
“We thank President Bola Tinubu for his generosity and this monumental project. What this project has done for our local government cannot be expressed,” he said.
He said many lives had been lost in the river, adding that the bridge would provide a safer and more reliable route for residents and travellers from other states.
Aondoakura also commended Gov. Hyacinth Alia for compensating affected indigenes, saying the gesture had supported the smooth execution of the project.
Some residents also commended the Federal Government for constructing the bridge, saying it would improve transportation, strengthen economic activities and enhance safety.
The River Katsina-Ala has, over the years, recorded fatalities involving people attempting to cross the river through unsafe means, including boats.