…queries flood water from Lagdo Dam, proposed over-pass bridge
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In order to avert critical damage as the federal government has set to embark on construction of a new over-pass at the popular Wurukum roundabout in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, experts under the auspices of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) have called for urgent maintenance of the old and new bridge across the river Benue, seek a third construction of another bridge to avert imminent danger.
The federal government has announced the construction of a new flyover and underpass bridges at Wurukum, without intensity of any repair and evident maintenance of the old bridges.
The engineers are worried that there would be uncontrollable traffic when the project is finally actualized, making the old bridges critically affected.
The engineers including the Fellows converged on Makurdi at the weekend for the 183rd OGM held at the COREN regional office, situated at the within the premises of the Ministry of rural development and cooperatives.
The meeting was aimed at charting a way forward on improving on the growth and stability of the NSE in the state and country, and to foster government and experts relationship.
State Chairman of NSE in Benue, Engr. Ukeyima Manger said it was imperative for the experts to offer technical assistance to government to avert any danger posed by neglect of government to professionalism in the sector.
According to Manger, “the flyover set to be constructed at Wurukum may cause serious issues if the old and new bridges are not given proper attention by government.”
He advocated for “dredging of the river Benue and and adoption of preventive measures to avert flooding in the state.”
In a paper presentation, Engr. Dr. Peter Damkor FNSE, a fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers(NSE) who dwelled on the “maintenance of the new Makurdi Bridge and averting possible threats from the Lagdo Dam,” said the new Makurdi Bridge will overflow due to release of water from the Lagdo Dam except dykes are built.
According to Damkor, “the Lagdo Dam is a possible flooding threat to be seriously watched by the people and hence government wants to construct a flyover at the Wurukum roundabout.”
“A bridge across the major river in Nigeria is a critical transportation infrastructure that has potentials to stimulate economic growth and development.
“As such, I recommend the Honorable minister of works and the federal government of Nigeria to make amendments towards ensuring that major bridges enjoy routine repairs after every flood while comprehensive rehabilitation should be spaced at every twenty years.
“There will be national disaster, and Holocaust of the highest order. in view of the above, I recommend the government build dykes along the banks of the river Benue in order to do away with flood plains. Then comprehensive rehabilitation of the Lagdo Dam should be carried out as urgently as possible.”
