The Cross River South Consultative Forum (CRSCF) has expressed its profound gratitude to the Federal Government for initiating construction on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway from the Calabar end. The forum conveyed its appreciation during a visit to the Acting Federal Controller of Works in Cross River state, Engr. (Mrs.) A.R. Osim, at her office in the Federal Secretariat Building, Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN has confirmed.
In an interview following the meeting, Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo, Chairman of CRSCF, highlighted the significance of the Federal Government’s decision. “A few months ago, we paid a courtesy visit to Engr. Osim and forwarded a letter to the Honourable Minister of Works, His Excellency Engr. Dave Umahi, requesting that construction on the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway also commence from the Calabar end. We are thrilled that the Honourable Minister has acceded to our request,” Ekpo said.
Ekpo further stated, “We are aware that the Ministry of Works has marked out the right of way, and in a few weeks, the groundbreaking ceremony will take place. We extend our deep gratitude to the Honourable Minister and the President for responding to the requests of Cross Riverians.”
Addressing local involvement in the project, Ekpo added, “We plead that the local content act be upheld. Our local people should supply the needed materials and workforce for the project. This will ensure that our people benefit financially from the road construction.”
The meeting also touched on the stalled Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Highway project. Ekpo expressed concerns about the halted progress and stated that CRSCF has applied for an audience with the Honourable Minister to discuss the issue further. “It’s worrisome that work on the road has stalled. The governor of Cross River State had to engage Faith Plant to do some palliative work to enable easier access during the rainy season,” he noted.
Chief Ani Esin, a member of CRSCF, emphasized the importance of overseeing federal projects in the state. “We aim to ensure that jobs allocated to Cross River State are handled to the Federal Government’s specifications. We want to see that contractors and communities work together to see projects to conclusion,” Esin stated.
Esin also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Works for initiating the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. “When we learned about the project, we quickly thanked the Federal Ministry of Works and prayed that they take up the job from both ends of the highway simultaneously,” he added.
During the visit, Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon appreciated Engr. Osim for her active role in ensuring ongoing works in the state are done according to specifications. “We thank the controller for her efforts and support to ensure Cross River State benefits from this administration’s benevolence,” Okon said.
In response, Engr. Osim expressed her gratitude to the CRSCF for their support. “We appreciate your efforts and support. Construction activities on the Itu Road will soon commence fully. All pending issues that caused Julius Berger to pull out from the site are being resolved at our headquarters,” Osim assured.
The meeting concluded with a request from CRSCF for continued engagement with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the successful execution of the coastal highway project. The CRSCF also pledged to provide necessary assistance to facilitate the project, particularly in community-related matters.
In attendance at the thank you visit with Osim was Engr. N. P. Itam – PCE; Barr. Eyo Nsa Ekpo the Chair of CRSCF Led Chief Ani Esin, Hon. Ntufam Victor Okon, Sir Maurice Effiwat and Prof. Emmanuel Eyo all members to the office of Osim.
