From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
Relief has come the way of commuters in Cross River as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) have stepped in to tackle the deplorable 60km Calabar-Oban-Ekang road.
The road, which has been in a terrible state of disrepair, is a major corridor on land that links Nigeria and Cameroon from Calabar, the state capital.
The long-awaited rehabilitation of the road, which will be executed by an indigenous contractor, FaithPlant Global, commenced with a flag-off ceremony in Oban, Akamkpa Local Government Area.
Speaking at the event, the council chairman, Hon. Felix Akposi, described the Calabar–Oban–Ekang road as a “critical infrastructure” capable of transforming the fortunes of Akamkpa, the state, and Nigeria at large.
“We have waited so long, since the implementation of the 2024 budget could not come immediately, we decided to take another step, and here we are today.
“Succour has finally come to our people. Businesses would thrive, the general economy in the area would be revamped, whereas the local government and the state would also feel the ripple effects,” he said.
The senator representing the Southern Senatorial District in Cross River State, Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the road is set for a major transformation.
“This development marks a significant step toward restoring the road’s condition and improving transportation for the communities that depend on it,” he said.
FaithPlant’s representative, Engr. Henry, assured stakeholders of a standard, efficient, and timely delivery despite the ongoing rainy season.
He called for the elimination of undue community taxes, which he said could hamper the progress of work on the project.
