By Emmanuel Elijah, Makurdi
The Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has called for the rehabilitation of the river Katsina-Ala Bridge and other Federal roads in the state.
The governor who was represented by his deputy, Engr Benson About when the Federal Controller of Works Engr Charles Oke paid a courtesy call on him on Tuesday in Makurdi, lamented the deplorable conditione of the bridge and other federal roads in the country, particularly the Makurdi to Otukpo road which he described as a death trap.
Governor Ortom said the Katsina-Ala bridge, is in a very bad state and needs an urgent attention in order to avoid it collapse.
According to him, “the major attribute to economic development is a network of good roads.” He averred.
He commended the initiative of having Federal Controller of Works in every state, describing it as a notable idea that should cause all roads in the country to be in good condition at all times.
The governor, applauded the Federal Ministry of Works for the ongoing rehabilitation of the road leading to Katsina-Ala saying although in a snail speed, called for accelerated speed.
He stated that, ” we produce agricultural products in the country but cannot transport them out because of bad roads and called for a change of attitude by the Federal Ministry of works, pointing out that he would act on the state ministry of works to speedily relocate the water pipelines which its relocation, had been the cause of hindrance to the dualization of the Otukpo township roads.
Earlier in his speech, the Federal Controller of Works, Engr Charles Oke commended the state government for its support and called for continuous cooperation in order for them to succeed.
Engr Oke informed that the federal works was already carrying out rehabilitation of nine projects which are ongoing including, the Oshegudu- Oweto road, Vandeikya – Obudu road, Yandev – Katsina Ala road, Makurdi- Yandev road among others.
