The Benue State government (BNSG) has approved the release of about N149.5 billion for the construction, rehabilitation and completion of various projects across the state.

Key among the projects is the extension and dualisation of the Wurukum Air Force Base Road (Gboko Road) that includes the construction of a five-span bridge at River Mu and the upgrade of the Mbawuar – Bako-Negher and Spur – Mbaakon road proj­ect, which will gulp over N68.3 billion and about N74 billion respectively.

The approval was made by the State Executive Council (SEC) aimed at transforming the state, giving the state capital a facelift as well as improving the econo­my and lives of the people of the state, according to Kula Tersoo, Chief Press Secretary to gover­nor, Hyacinth Alia, in a statement released to newsmen in Makurdi this weekend.

Other projects, which he said were approved during the Council meeting, include the completion of payment for the rehabilitation and restoration of the 10-year-old abandoned proj­ects at Otobi/Otukpo and Katsi­na-Ala Water works, which got the approval of over N1.5 billion.

Kula said, “It (SEC) approved the immediate payment of N1,569,583,932.17 to CGC, a Chi­nese company that constructed the Otobi/Otukpo and Katsi­na-Ala Water Works about 10 years ago.

“The council also directed the Ministry of Water Resources, En­vironment, and Climate Change to invite CGC to commence the rehabilitation of the facility and restore water supply in Otobi, Otukpo, and their environs.

“The council also approved several other key projects, in­cluding the extension and du­alisation of the Wurukum-Air Force Base Road, the upgrade of the Mbawuar to Bako-Negher and Spur to Mbaakon Road, the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge, and the reconstruction of the Assembly complex and clinic.

“The extension and dualisa­tion of the Wurukum-Air Force Base Road, which was approved at a cost of N68,329,287,647.57, is expected to improve transpor­tation and boost economic ac­tivities in the area. The project, which will be handled by M/S Ba­haus Global Investment Nigeria Ltd., includes the construction of a five-span bridge at Mu.”