By Jonathan Ugbal
In a bid to boost economic growth, local connectivity, evacuation of agro products, and tourism, the Minister of State for Industry, Senator John Owan Enoh on Wednesday, flagged off construction of the 23 kilometers Ikom-Etomi-Agbokim waterfalls road.
The road links four government owned cocoa estates established in the 1960’s by the Michael Okpara administration while serving as Premier of the defunct Eastern Region.
And, Enoh says the project, initiated by the President Bola Tinubu’s administration is not just about constructing a road but about addressing longstanding issues and fostering development for the people of Cross River State.
“The importance of this route cannot be overstated,” the Minister remarked. “From boosting tourism at Agbokim Waterfalls to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and local traders, this project will transform the region,” a statement issued by his spokesperson, Diana-Mary Nsan reads.
The project is executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC. Initially designed to be awarded in 2012, the project suffered setbacks which according to Senator Enoh included poor contractor selection. He commended the commission’s management led by the Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku for “ensuring a fresh start with competent contractors and a renewed commitment to quality and timely delivery.”
The Minister who posits that the project alongside the coastal highway, cements Cross River State’s inclusion in national infrastructure plans, reflected on the personal significance of the project, and shared his emotional connection to the road, which has been a subject of controversy and delays for years.
“For me, public service is about delivering happiness and excitement to the people,” he stated, adding that the successful commencement of this project marks the end of a longstanding jinx.
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