- Assures NASS committee of robust partnership from C-River Govt
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State Governor says the current deplorable state of the Uyo–Odukpani highway demands urgent federal intervention to drive sustainable economic growth and enhanced progressive linkage across the South-South region.
This is as he also pledged his administration’s commitment to partner with the Federal Government to ensure sustainable road infrastructure development as part of efforts at ensuring a more robust and resilient relationship among connected entities in the state.
Governor Otu stated this when members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, visited him recently in Calabar, the State capital.
Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dr. Peter Odey, the Governor, who appreciated the Committee’s visit to the State, lamented the deplorable condition of the Uyo-Odukpani road which serves as a vital link between Cross River and other parts of the country.
He said this poor state of affairs has continued to negatively impact on businesses and the transportation of goods and services in and out of the State.
According to him, “The condition of the Uyo–Odukpani Road is truly worrisome. This is a federal highway that connects our state to the rest of the South-South and beyond. Its current state affects not just the movement of people but also the economy.”
Further highlighting the economic importance of the highway, the governor said, “For instance, trucks from Lafarge Cement Company and other industries find it extremely difficult to move goods out of the state.
“That is why the Federal Government needs to intervene, it is indeed an emergency, and something must be done urgently.”
Expressing government readiness to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to bring lasting solutions to the challenge, he said, “Cross River State will remain a willing partner with all stakeholders committed to bringing meaningful development to our people.”
Governor Otu also used the occasion to laud President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for conceptualizing the ongoing construction of the Lagos- Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a landmark project that will open up the South-South for greater economic opportunities.
Speaking earlier, the Committee Chairman, Hon. Akin Alabi said the visit was part of its nationwide oversight tour to inspect federal road projects and assess ongoing interventions by the Federal Ministry of Works.
Describing the Uyo-Odukpani Road as “one of the worst roads” he has encountered nationwide, the Lawmaker stressed its importance as a major gateway linking Cross River State to the South-South and other regions of the country, he said the road was a national emergency.
He further expressed the Committee’s concerns thus, “This road is an emergency, a national emergency. A lot has happened, from the termination of the earlier contract with a US firm to its being re-awarded to Sermatec, and now the change of scope from asphalt to concrete pavement. There’s been so much confusion, but we cannot continue like this.”
While promising that the National Assembly would convene a public hearing on the project to find a lasting solution to the challenges affecting its completion, the Committee Chairman said, “We are going to call every stakeholder, officials of the Ministry of Works, contractors, representatives of the Cross River State Government, including the Commissioner for Works and Special Adviser on Projects, as well as the media, Civil Society Organizations, and others.
“Everyone must come to the table because we must fix this road for good. The legislature will ensure that happens in the overall interest of the people.”
The Joint National Assembly Committee on Works delegation, included Senator Rufai Hanga, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, and Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, among other lawmakers.
