By: Daniel Bebia
The Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Cross River State, Hon. Pius Ankpo recently disclosed that Governor Otu's administration is dedicated to building infrastructure that will endure the test of time and in adherent to global best practices.
The Commissioner made this disclosure during commissioning of several road projects embarked by the Governor Bassey Otu in Calabar Metropolis as part of activities to commemorate the administration's one-year in office.
According to Hon Ankpo, during the commissioning of Parliamentary extension Road, "Parliament Road was only 7.3 meters wide and was built without considering the rapid development and heavy traffic the area has experienced recently.
"I believe the government of Donald Duke did not foresee the sporadic development and traffic that we are experiencing today, as the road resembles more of a community road but today, history is made. Apart from the fact that the road is 7.3 meters wide like I said, the width was insufficient considering the heavy traffic and spontaneous development in the area.
"His Excellency, the Governor, requested that it be expanded to 12.3 meters in line with current realities and with our resolved to build for the future in adherent to global best practices," Ankpo said.
He reminded the community that the Governor had during his campaign promised them sophisticated infrastructure and they should expect nothing less than what they just witnessed with complete furniture.
"Our Governor is intentional in everything he does, and the standard of the reconstructed road is at par with what we see in Abuja, Lagos, and other Western countries.
"It is akin to a superhighway, a sight to behold, especially at night due to the street lights recently installed on this stretch of the road.
"Instead of following the conventional approach to development, which allows for consistent patterns, the Government opted for a scientific method that allows for improvements on previous designs.
"Similar development projects are currently underway simultaneously across the three senatorial districts of the state and will all be delivered as stipulated.
In his testimonial, Mrs. Asim Okon, a resident of Kasuk, Parliament Extension Road and Martin Ofem of Esuk Utan communities respectively, expressed deep appreciation to Governor Otu for the gesture of an access roads which they noted controls the socio-economic lives of the comunities .
"Due to the inaccessibility of the road, especially during the rainy season, some residents who depend on the local market to feed their families have relocated. However, with the new roads and street lights, business activities in these communities have increased," Ofem added.
The first phase of the commissioned Parliamentary Road, with solar-powered street lights, is 12.3 meters wide and spans a distance of 3.4 kilometers. The Esuk Utan road covers a distance of 2.1 kilometers also with street lights.
The Commissioner was accompanied to the commissioning ceremonies which was performed by Governor Bassey Otu by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Prof. Godwin Akeke, Director of Civil Engineering Dr. Desmond Ewa, and other top management staff
