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By Akpan David, Calabar
The Controller of Works in Cross River State, Engr. Bassey Nsentip has assured the federal government and contractors handling the rehabilitation of the Calabar-Itu federal highway will soon overcome the challenge of right of way poses by the highway communities.
While assuring that the contractors handling the construction project in record time, he was certain that the ongoing meeting with property owners will be fruitful.
Speaking to journalists while inspecting the rehabilitation of the entire 87 km stretch of the highway, Nsentip expressed confidence in the capability of the contractors as they have showed genuine willingness to finish the project.
The dualisation, bridge and culvert building are handled by CCECC, Julius Berger and Sematech spanning Akwa Ibom and Cross River states and funded by the NNPC.
According to Engr Nsentip, the contractors apart from having the manpower , equipment to do the job also have the will power to see the job to a logical and standard completion.
“The Federal government is serious about the project , like you have also seen so far, the contractors are on ground carrying out construction activities and operations .
“They are well equiped and also have machines to execute the work. Above all they have the will to work , because they came and started the work even without money,” he said.
Speaking further, he said the Itu Bridge still has sound structural integrity but would be refurbished to bring out it’s aesthetics
“The only challenge on Itu Bridge is the expansion and the furniture , the guard rails and the surface will be taken care of, we would refurbish the bridge.
Speaking for the minister of work and housing earlier, director in charge of construction and rehabilitation, Engr Folorunso Esan expressed satisfaction with the level of progress so far recorded on the project.
He however called on the state government to look into the issues of right of way and compensation, saying federal government no longer handles compensation.
“We do not have ssues with funding of the project as it is among critical roads funded by NNPC through tax credit and would be ready by June or July next year.
“We appeal to Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade to help resolve the issue of compensations, so that the contractors can finish the dualisation work as scheduled.
Esan said :” We are encouraged with the level and quality of work done so far by Julius Berger handling the 21.9km from Odukpani to the power plant.
“Our major and only challenge for now is that of right of ways Government has for long paid compensation for this but I dont know why people are still on the right of way , it’s an issue that will be resolved.”
