Work on Calabar-Itu highway to begin soon, says senator

Rehabilitation work will commence on the Calabar-Itu highway before the end of this month, following the Federal Government’s commitment to end the suffering of motorists and commuters on the road.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Gershom Bassey, who disclosed this in Calabar, yesterday, said the contract had been awarded to Julius Berger and a Chinese company.

“The Ministry of Works has released some money for the project, but for certain reasons, work has not started on the road. I have had several discussions with the Minister, Babatunde Fashola and he promised that additional N3b will be added to the contract,” he stated.

He, however, explained that there were some community and compensation issues that needed to be addressed in Odukpani Council, adding that he had written to Governor Benedict Ayade and other stakeholders and the issues were being handled.

He explained that FERMA’s temporary measure on the road last year was ongoing, but the actual contract was awarded to Julius Berger and a Chinese firm, adding: “Work on the Calabar-Itu road will commence before the end of the first quarter.”

On the security situation in the country, Bassey whose supporters refer to as Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO), said, “There are other issues, like youth unemployment and general issues around the economy.

“To end criminality, we need to have a well-funded security system. There is the need for more recruitment and acquisition of equipment for security personnel to enable them to effectively police the country.”

Also commenting on the Calabar-Itu road, Chief of Party of the Cross River Southern Senatorial District Assembly (CRSSDA), John Offiong, said it was important that the Federal Government begin work urgently on the road to reduce the sufferings of the people.