By Jeremiah Archibong
The Cross River State Commissioner For New City Development Ministry, Bar. George Ekpungu has said his office is fast putting in place measures for the rapid development and the establishment of the State’s proposed new cities.
The Commissioner who spoke with CrossRiverWatch in Boki said “What I intend to do first is to get the legal and institutional framework in place to build the new cities, then embark on an urban rejuvenation, create city sites and commence building the new cities”.
Furthermore, he revealed that, “The Governor is interested in building and developing an urban center in Boki, it may not be as big as what we are going to do with Calas Vegas, Obudu and others but it is going to be an acceptable one, liveable and sustainable center for Boki people, something which they have never had despite the number of high profile persons from here”.
The Commissioner who agrees that there are going to be challenges said that with determination and strong will, his office will realize most of its set goals.
In terms of funding, the Commissioner of New City Development Ministry said “The only thing we need to is to have the required infrastructure and investors will come in.
Our projects will be based on Public Private Partnership. “Government will drive the institutional and legal framework and also set the standard for what we want to achieve and we will go out to look for investors, this will be done by letting prospective investors understand by investing in these new cities your investments are safe.”
The Commissioner debunked rumors that the Commissioners are mere ‘rubber stamps’, stating that, though they are political appointees, the Governor has trust in them and has given them leverage to do their work.
In conclusion he called on all and sundry to join hands with the Government’s vision to move the State forward.
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