I’m Happy With Progress Of Work On Calabar-Odukpani Junction Road Dualisation – Ayade

 EMMANUEL ULAYI

The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of work at the ongoing dualisation of Calabar-Odukpani Junction Road project.

The Governor who was on inspection visit to the site praised the indigenous construction company handling the project for showing capacity and capability. He said he was delighted to note that a Nigerian company is doing a Nigerian project and delivering quality.

“I am highly impressed with the quality and level of work on this road. I am happy with the contractor. I have driven through the second lane of the Odukpani- Calabar dual carriageway phase one and I am satisfied with what I have seen” the Governor said.

Calling for the patronage of indigenous construction companies, Professor Ayade argued that judging from the quality of work on the project, Nigerian construction companies can deliver if saddled with important projects.

“This project has clearly shown that Nigerian contractors are capable and have capacity. We don’t have to keep giving our projects to foreigners. I will like to see more Nigerian companies getting involved in Nigerian projects to avoid capital flights” he stressed.

He assured that the 274 kilometres Super Highway project will be constructed by a Nigerian company but with foreign quality control.
Governor Ayade said that with the elections over, all his attention is now redirected to ongoing projects in the state.
“I am happy the elections are over because they were huge distractions. We are now facing development as one core business”.
The governor who was re-elected for a second term last month said he was in a hurry to develop Cross River, the meager monthly Federal allocation accruing to the state notwithstanding.
“The four years I have is like four days to me because I must do something that will remain like magic and miracle in this state, our less than N2.7billion monthly income notwithstanding” he said.
When completed, the Calabar-Odukpani dual carriageway, together with the Superghati flyover bypass also being undertaken by the Ayade administration, is expected to ease perennial traffic gridlock on the ever busy Calabar-Itu-Uyo highway.
The site Engineer, Dr. Godwin Akeke assured that in three months time, the road will be open to use. Dr.Akeke explained that the earth work on the road was 75-80 percent completed.