Reps Probes Delay in Completion of Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road in Akwa Ibom State
By Paul Effiong, Abuja
The House of Representatives has Mandated it Committee on Works to immediately investigate and identify reasons for the delay in completing Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road rehabilitation.
The Lawmakers at the Green Chamber also mandated it Committee on Legislative Compliance to ensure strict compliance of the resolution.
This follows the adoption of a motion moved during plenary on Thursday, 14th March, 2024 by Hon Ime Okon, Hon Martins Esin along with other eight lawmakers from Akwa Ibom State.
In his lead debate while moving the motion, Hon. Ime Okon informed that the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road is a crucial transportation route connecting Cross River and Akwa Ibom States including the entire eastern part of Nigeria.
He emphasized the importance of the Federal road in facilitating economic activities as well as provision of social interactions and regional development;
He further informed that the poor condition of the road has caused untold hardship for commuters along the entire zone as well as cause increasing travel time from one hour to five hours or more, leading to loss of man-hours.
The lawmakers equally expressed worried that the Contract for the rehabilitation and dualisation of the Calabar-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road was initially awarded in 2021 to three companies, yet the project has been abandoned leading to the suffering of the citizens and hindering regional growth and development.
The House also raised concerned over the adverse impact of the dilapidated road on the economic and social lives of the people in the region,
They added that such predicament is not limited to increased transportation costs, and impediment to the movement of goods and services but also stagnant people social development.
The lawmakers said they were cognizant that the abandonment of crucial infrastructure projects not only undermines the welfare and prosperity of the people but also reflects the government’s inability to meet their citizens’ needs in the region.
Consequently, the Speaker Hon Tajudeen Abbas, subjected the motion to a voice vote and it was unanimously agreed by the House.
