BY: Joseph Achu, MOI Officer reporting from Ministry of Works.
The Cross River State Commissioner for Works, Engr Dane Osim-Asu has asserted that Senator (Prof) Benedict Ayade’s administration is hugely committed to effective road network revolution and massive industrialization across the State.
Engr Osim-Asu stated this when he played host to the Executive members of the Niger Delta Activist Forum in his office in Calabar, Who were on a facts finding mission on His Excellency Senator (Prof) Ben Ayade’s projects in the State.
The Works Commissioner maintained that Governor Ayade since coming on board in 2015, has initiated many road projects, including the 275kms super Highway, the Tinapa Odukpani dualization, the dualization of Mfom – Okpoma-Okuku- Ogoja- Abuochiche- Obudu- Obudu Ranch road, the Boki East- West road, Ogoja Council -Ishibori road, the Calabar-Ikom Highway- Ovukwa in Obubra, the Sen. Ben Ayade road in Ugep and the Usung Esuk road in Odukpani. Others Engr. Osim-Asu noted are: the Yahe-Ebo- Wanokom- Wanikande- Wanihem- Benue Border road, Authur Javis University road in Akpabuyo and the Bakassi Deep Sea
Port project as well as the Asphalt overlay of Calabar metropolis, amongst others.
According to the Commissioner ” the Metropolitan City of Calabar is known for heavy and incessant rain due to its coastal geographical location, therefore, the roads needs to be maintained all year round and the current administration of Governor Ben Ayade has done excellently well through the ‘ zero pothole’ policy drive of this administration. The project is ongoing and is receiving the best attention to ensure the cleanliness and ambience Calabar is known for”.
He affirms that many roads have been completed under this intervention within Calabar Municipality and Calabar South and others within the metropolis will be completed before the rainy season sets in; as his Excellency has given approval for the release of funds.
Engr Asu, also averred that apart from the massive roads construction projects, Governor Ayade’s administration is also aggressively involved in Agricultural revolution, Industrialization, quality education, efficient Health care delivery and several industries across eighteen Local Government Areas of the State.
On whether the Tinapa – Odukpani dualization is a Federal Government project, the Works Commissioner posited that the project is a direct labour project of the State Government contrary to many people’s opinion that it is a Federal project.
The National President of the Niger Delta Activist Forum Comrade Success Jack who was in company of the State Chairman, Comrade Paul Ujie, maintained that the purpose of their visit was to find out what Governor Ayade is doing in Cross River State and give direct feedback to the people.
Comrade Jack, stated further that the primary purpose of the Forum is to ensure that the right things are done for the people as the interest of the common man remains the Forum’s top most priority.
He further averred that the Forum has agreed with the federal government that all roads projects within the Niger Delta must begin and be completed this year except where it is not possible to do so and pleaded that the Cross River State Government should also endeavour to complete all her laudable projects that are at different levels of completion for the betterment of the people.
The National President advised that the State Government should not perceived the group as enemy of the Government as the group is neither PDP nor APC, but partners with the Government to ensuring a better welfare for the people.
Highpoint of the visit was on the spot visit and assessment of Ikot- Ishie market road and the Tinapa- Odukpani road dualization site.