FG flags off multi billion naira 73km road in Cross River

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has flagged off the Rehabilitation of 73 kilometres single carriage way stretching from Odukpani Junction through Ikom to Ogoja in Cross River State yesterday .
Fashola said the contract sum of over 14 billion naira was awarded to an indigenous contractor, Messer Sermatech Construction Company.
A statement signed by Principal Information Officer for Director (Information), Olatunji John said the Minister was represented by the Minister of State in the Ministry, Mustapha Baba-Shehuri, stated that, the present administration is investing heavily in the provision of critical infrastructure with at least one on-going road project per State in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the project completion period is within twenty-four months, adding that the federal highway links the industrial and agricultural towns of Akamkpa, Biase and Yakurr. The frequent plying of the 44 year old road by industrialists and haulage of agricultural produce has led to its deterioration with shoulders completely eroded’’.
Earlier in his speech, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Ben Ayande appreciated President Buhari for his support and goodwill to the state regardless of political differences, adding that the state is enjoying the dividends of democracy by partnering with the Federal Government.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Works in the state, Engr. Dane Osim-Asu noted that one of the major policy thrusts of Cross River state government is industrialization, noting that this cannot be achieved without good and motorable roads which will create a nexus between these two to grow the economy of the state.
Meanwhile, Director Highways, Construction and Rehabilitations from the Ministry, Engr. Yemi Oguntominiyi, in his opening address commended President Buhari for his commitment to the project and support to the Ministry in the course of the procurement process and eventual award of the contract by the Federal Executive Council in November, 2018.
Oguntominiyi further stated that the completion of the rehabilitation works on the corridor will, no doubt, reduce vehicle operating costs; improve travel time, reduce road accidents and also stimulate the socio-economic growth and general security of towns and cities in the state.
Also, the Minister and his entourage also inspected some completed and ongoing rehabilitation projects along the road corridor of Calabar-Ikom-Ogoja federal highway led by the Federal Controller of Works in the state, Mr Bassey Nsentip.