by crossriverwatch admin
Modalities have been concluded by the Federal Government to commence the reconstruction of the deplorable Calabar – Itu Road which has impeded transportation within the south-south geo-political zone.
Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda disclosed this in Calabar after presenting the State’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Governor Liyel Imoke and members of the Cross River State Executive Council.
Yuguda, who was responding to a request made by Imoke, revealed that final procurement processes have been concluded while the actual reconstruction will commence before the end of the year.
He noted that the state of Nigerian roads would not have been that bad if the rail system was functional and commended the state government for commencing the dualization of the IBB Way in Calabar.
On Ikom – Obudu Road, the Minister lamented that it was not captured in the budget but provision has been made for it in the next budget while noting that rehabilitation on Ikom – Ogoja road is ongoing.
Earlier, Governor Imoke while welcoming Yuguda to the state, called on the Federal Government to repair all gate way roads into the state as a matter of urgency because the collapse of road infrastructure affects the state especially its tourism program where 90 percent of the tourists come by road.
Imoke explained that Calabar – Itu – Ikot Ekpene – Aba Road has collapsed because of tremendous economic activities in Calabar.
“On a daily basis, about 300 trucks carrying cement ply that route including tankers from Tank Farms, trucks from the two flour mills, trucks conveying iron rods from Calabar Free Trade Zone, trucks carrying agricultural produce as well as heavy duty trucks carrying granite from numerous quarries out of the state”, he said.
“The pressure on Calabar – Odukpani Junction has turned it into a death trap. When that road fails like it has done, the whole town is in trouble. The road has to be reconstructed”, he added.
On the Calabar – Ikom – Ogoja – Katsina Road which was constructed in the 70s, Imoke appealed that some funds be made available to fix it while the state has decided to dualize IBB Way.
He also pointed out that Ikom – Odukpani road has equally collapsed, stressing that no federal government road in the state is in good shape.
According to him, this has impeded tourism as well as other initiatives put in place by the state while farmers find it difficult conveying farm produce from one town to another.
follow us on twitter @crossriverwatch
Leave feedback about this