Ayade promises to complete flyover, superhighway before end of tenure

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, has promised that the construction of Odukpani Flyover and the Superhighway (Phase One) would be completed before the end of his tenure next month.

The state governor made the promise, yesterday, during a tour of projects at the ever-busy Odukpani Junction, which serves as artery into Calabar from the Central and Northern parts of the state.

Ayade, who hinted that the perennial gridlock would soon be a thing of the past, commended the local contractors handling the project, saying they could compete favourably with foreign counterparts.

“Elections are over and we are back to work fully. Here, we are standing at the phase one section, which is ready for asphalting.

“This Flyover is intended to bypass the Odukpani junction, which is a real nightmare for commuters. It takes you straight and empties you into the Odukpani axis of the Calabar-Itu road onward Uyo and Port Harcourt.

“This road has been a nightmare to commuters but it will soon be a thing of the past because the flyover and the dual carriage road constructed by our administration have been done from Calabar up to the point where we are to ease troubles motorists have been facing. The project will be ready for commissioning before l leave office, an indication that we are committed to finishing strong.”

Explaining why his administration opted for local contractors, Ayade said: “What is interesting is that the majority of our contractors are locals. This contract is being handled by Faithplant, owned by a very hardworking young Cross River indigene and we are working with Zecca, another competent indigenous construction company.

“So this is a special message for Nigerians; indigenous contractors are as good as foreign contractors. All that is required is to award them the contract in the same sum you award foreign contractors.”