By:Joseph Achu
The Cross River State Commissioner for Works , Engr. Dane Osim Asu has stated that all road projects initiated and commenced by the Governor Ben Ayade- led administration will live to see the light of the day, commissioned and fully put to use before the end of the administration.
Engr. Osim Asu, made this assertion during the Monthly Ministerial Press briefing powered by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, comrade Asu Okang, held yesterday in the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information&Orientation Headquarters, Calabar.
The works Commissioner maintained that Governor Ayade since coming on board in 2015 has initiated many road projects including the on-going dualization of the Mfom-Okpoma-Okuku-Bekwarra-Obudu-Ranch road which runs through five Local Government areas of the Northern Senatorial District;the Yahe-Ebo-Wanokom-Wanikade-Benue border road;the Boki East-West road with over twenty big culverts constructed,emphasizing that the 276 kilometers Super Highway project is well on course as funding arrangements are being worked out to continue from the earthwork already done on these road projects to take them to completion.
Engr Asu, further stated that besides these major road projects, other roads being rehabilitated are the spaghetti flyover in Odukpani junction, the Tinapa junction dualization linking into the Metropolis, the Akpabuyo road leading to Authur Javis Univeraity;the rehabilitation of major roads in Calabar Metropolis and several other road construction projects ongoing in fourteen Local Government Areas across the State, amongst others
Responding to questions on how contracts for the execution of these numerous projects were awarded and whether due process were followed , Engr Asu pointed that Cross River State government under Governor Ayade remains one of the few States in Nigeria that have strictly adhered to due process procedures in awarding contracts at all times,adding that no graft agency has faulted any of the contracts awarded in the last five years. “We have
always followed International best practices In terms of procurement and award of contracts. First of all, the contracts are advertised and contractors are allowed to bid for the contracts openly and procurement process is followed to the latter before the project is awarded to the most responsive bidder”,the Works Commissioner averred.
” Usually, we find out the capacity of those contractors; their financial capability and equipment ownership as well as quality of professional Staff in making our final decisions in all instances”,he emphasized.
The works Commissioner further stated that in spite of the numerous road projects of the Governor Ben Ayade-led administration in the first tenure, the government did not borrow a dime to fund these projects,adding that in the second term which is already seven months old,government intend to go into sourcing for funds to ensure that all the projects are completed before the end of this administration.
The Commissioner assured that the Ayade government remains zero tolerant to portholes on roads in the Calabar Metropolis,saying that arrangements are being concluded to tackle all roads within the city to make them motorable.
The Monthly Press briefing also featured the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism,Hon Eric Anderson while Dr
Betta Edu,Cpmmissioner for Health was on hand to give a no case of Lassa fever occurence in Cross River State.
The Commissioner for Information and Orientation,Comrade Asu Okang used the platform to assure the media of his Ministry’s commitment and determination to sustain the programm on a monthly basis while quarterly briefing by the State Governor and Media tour of these projects are on the card too to guarantee openess and good governance.