By Amos Aar, Makurdi
The Director-General of the Benue State Public Procurement Commission (BSPPC), Engr. Dr. Comfort Akwonya Adadu, has directed the contractor handling the High-Level Interchange Underpass in Makurdi to ensure the full restoration of affected drainage systems at the site to prevent potential flooding in the area.
During a due diligence inspection of the ongoing underpass project on Wednesday, the DG stressed the importance of environmental safety and infrastructure integrity.
She stated that while the project has shown technical competence and commendable execution, drainage systems impacted by construction work must be promptly addressed.
“The integrity of surrounding infrastructure must not be compromised. The contractors have assured us that all affected drainages will be restored, even after project completion, and we will hold them to this commitment,” George Nder, Special Assistant to the DG on Media and Communication, quoted her to have said.
It can be recalled that the Project Manager of Bauhaus Global, Engr. Charbel Al-Ammar, during an interview with journalists about a month ago assured that the surface drainages would be connected by April 25, 2025, while the underpass drainage would follow ongoing filling works.
He added that the system would link to an existing outlet, pending a future contract for an expanded drainage channel.
He also assured that the underpass was scheduled for completion and commissioning by Governor Hyacinth Alia on May 29, 2025 which is 9 days from now.
Residents of Idye, High-level, cried out last year that the same blockage of the drainage as a result of the ongoing underpass project had caused serious flooding as early as the month of June in the year
The BSPPC’s inspection also covered compliance with project specifications, material quality, and alignment with approved architectural designs.
The DG reiterated that all public infrastructure must meet the standards of durability, environmental safety, and value for public funds.
In a related oversight exercise on Thursday, the DG led a team on another inspection of the ongoing reconstruction of the Wurukum, Airforce Base, Mu road corridor in Makurdi.
The 10-kilometre dual carriageway and the adjoining 3-kilometre spot maintenance segment were evaluated for conformity with contract specifications and federal engineering standards.
According to the DG, on-site measurements and technical reviews confirmed that work on the corridor is consistent with approved design documents.
The inspection was conducted alongside officials from the State Ministry of Works, the Accountant General’s Office, the Efficiency Unit, and other stakeholders.
Additionally, the Commission extended its oversight to the proposed site for an expansion of the project.
